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HIvSTORY 



OF THE 



Fifty-Eighth Regiment 



OF 



INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 



ITS ORGANIZATION, CAMPAIGNS AND BATTLES 

FROM 1861 TO 1S65. 



FROM THE MANUSCRIPT PREPARED BY THE LATE 

CHAPLAIN JOHN J. HIGHT, 

DURING HIS SERVICE WITH THE REGIMENT IN THE FIELD. 



COMPILED BY HIS FRIEND AND COMRADE, 

GILBERT R. STORMONT, 

[formerly CORPORAL CO, b] 

PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER INDIANA G. A. R. EDITOR PRINCETON 

(IND.) CLARION. 



ILLUSTRATED 

WITH 

MAPS OF CAMPAIGNS AND MARCHES, AND PORTRAITS OF A 

NUMBER OF OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN 

OF THE REGIMENT. 



PRINXPrrON : 

PRESS OF THE CLARION. 




\ ^\ I I /■ / y-l./^/'_ 






Entered according to act of Congress, in the jear 1S95, 

By gilbert R. STORMONT, 

in tiie office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



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TO THE COMRADES 

OF THE 

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT, 

LIVING AND DEAD, WHOSE STRENGTH OF PATRIOTISM AND 

VALOR IN BATTLE HAS NEVER BEEN SURPASSED 

TO THE MEMORY OF HIM WHO SO FAITHFULLY 
RECORDED AND SO CAREFULLY PRE- 
SERVED THE EVENTS HERE NAR- 
RATED, THIS VOLUME 
IS RESPECTFULLY 
DEDICATED. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. PAGE 

Preliminan' Events of iS6i — How the News of tlie Firing on Fort 
Sumter Aroused the Loval People — Enthusiastic Response to the 
Call of Governor Morton — Companies and Regiments in Southern 
Indiana — The ^Sth Indiana Regiment in Camp Gibson 21 

CHAPTER II. 

On the Way to the Front — First Experience in Camp — On the March 
to Bardstown — Brigade Organization — Flag Presentation — Through 
Kentucky — Tennessee — At Nashville 33 

CHAPTER III. 

Personal Experiences — How a Local Methodist Preacher Became an 
Army Chaplain — Difficulties and Discouragments in Getting Started 
— Observations by the Way — Arrival at Nashville — At the Regi- 
mental Camp — A Cold and Cheerless Reception — An Unfavorable 
Impression of Camp Diet and Arrangements for Sleeping 42 

CHAPTER IV. 

Forward Movement — On the Way to Savannah — Some of the Officers 
in Command — Baggage and Equipments — Through Franklin — 
Columbia — Some Fine Plantations — Grapevine News — Incidents of 
the March — Weary and Sick Soldiers — Burial by the Wa^'side — 
Sound of Battle — Hurrying to the F'ront — Pittsburg Landing 4S 

CHAPTER V. 

On the Battlefield of Shiloh — First Impressions of Pittsburg Landing — 
Visible Eftects of the Great Battle — Distress, Misery and Mud 
Everywhere — Rumors of a Renewal of the Engagement — Marching 
to the Front over the Battle Ground — Evidences of the Dreadful 
Carnage — Resting on Arms, Waiting for the Enemy — Review of 
the Two Days' Battle and the Events Preceding — Some Critical 
Comments on the Conduct of Commanding Officers 60 

CHAPTER VI. 

Shiloh to Corinth — Camping Among the Dead — Uncomfortable Qiiart- 
ers — Moving Toward the Enemj-, by Slow Degrees — General Hal- 
leck as a Commander — Corinth Evacuated — Halleck Outwitted by 
Beauregard 7^ 



6 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VII. 

From Corinth to McMinnville— Getting out of Malarial Swamps into 
a Healthful Country— Incidents of the March Through Alahama— 
Tuscumhia— Mooresville— Hot Roast at Iluntsville— Forced March 
to Shelbyville — Enjoying Life at Decherd — Up the Cumberland 
Mountains and Back Again— Watching the Movements of Bragg— 
A Brush with Forest 75 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Retreat from McMinnville to Louisville --Through Murfreesboro — 
Nashville — Bowling Green— Fight at Mumfordsville— Rapid March- 
ing After Bragg — Arrival at Louisville — Tired, Ragged, Dusty and 
Discouraged ^9 

CHAPTER IX. 

Louisville to Nashville— Driving Bragg from Bardstown— Following 
him Through Springfield— Long and Dusty Marches— Water 
Scarce— Battle of Perryville— Dilatory Movements— Blundering — 
Bragg, with his Booty, Escapes — Turning Toward Nashville — An 
October Snowstorm — Columbia — Glasgow — Silver Springs — Look- 
ing after Morgan — Again at Nashville 9S 

CHAPTER X. 

Stone River Campaign — Preliminarr Events — Official Changes — Mov- 
ing on to Murfreesboro— Sharp Fighting at Lavergne — Driving the 
Rebels Across Stewart's Creek— Opening of the Stone River Battle 
—Panic on the Right— The ^Sth Holds the Key Point— Engage- 
ment on the Left — Incidents of the Several Days" Battle — Casualties. loS 

CHAPTER XI. 

In Camp at Murfreesboro — Reorganization of the Army — Drill, Picket 
Duty and Foraging — Enjoying Camp Life — A Military Execution 
— Close Call for a 5Sth Deserter — Appeal of the Officers Prevails — 
Pardoned by the President — Plans for a Regimental Monument 
Perfected i::S 

CHAPTER XII. 

Advancing on TuUahoma — Marching Through Mud anil Rain — Climb- 
ing the Mountain — Demonstration of Cannon County People — 
Tullahoma Evacuated — In Camp at Hillsboro — Killed by an Over- 
Zealous Guard — Excitement and Indignation in the 5Sth — Military 
Funerals — Religious Services in Camp — Celebrating the Fall of 
Vicksburg and Victory at Gettysburg — Numerous Events of Inter- 
est Detailed 146 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



On to Chattanooga — Crossing Cumberland Mountains — Sequatchie 
Valley — A Fertile Spot — False Alarm — Fruitless Expedition — Bob 
White, the Union Spy — Crossing the Tennessee — Nickajack Ca%'e 
— First View of Lookout Mountain — Reconnoisance — Chattanooga 
Evacuated — Wood's Division Occupies the Town 167 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Chickamauga — Movements and Position of the Armv--Crittenden's 
Corps Moves after Bragg — Stubborn Opposition — Discovery of 
Rebel Plans — Critical Condition of Rosecrans' Army — Concentra- 
tion at Lee and Gordon's Mills — Opening of the Battle — Fifty - 
eighth in the Fight — Charging the Enemy — Noble Lives Sacrificed 
— A Night on the Battlefield — Changing Position — Battle of the 
20th — Break in the Lines — Confusion and Disaster — The Rebels 
Checked — Rosecrans' Army Saved 175 

CHAPTER XV. 

Siege of Chattanooga — Falling Back from Rossville — Evidences of 
Demoralization— Preparations for Defence — Chattanooga will be 
Held — Reorganization — Getting in Position — Rebel Demonstrations 
from Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain — Short of Rations — 
A Battle at Night .. 197 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Battle of Missionary Ridge — Record of Events Preceding that Engage- 
ment — Hooker's Battle Above the Clouds — The Star Spangled 
Banner Waves over Lookout Mountain — Sherman's Success on the 
Left — Cheering Prospect for the Union Army — Army of the Cum- 
berland Advances ^ — -Magnificent Pageant — Charging the Rebel 
Rifle Pits — Onward and L'pward, Without Orders — Crest of the 
Ridge Gained — Bragg's Forces Routed — The Victory is Complete — 
Casualties of the Fifty -eighth ... 211 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Knoxville Campaign — An Unpropitious Beginning of a Tour into East 
Tennessee — Condition of the Tourists — Incidents of the March — 
Siege of Knoxville Raised — Longstreet Still Hovers About — March- 
ing Without Sense — A Foolish Panic — More Foolishness — Suffer- 
ing from Cold and Himger — The \'eteran Qiiestion — Re-enlistment 
as a Regiment — Return to Chattanooga 22S 



8 • CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XVIir. 

Cliattanooga and Vicinity — Wonderful Changes tliat have Taken Place 
and are in Progress — A Strong Military Post — Preparations for 
Another Campaign — National Cenietery--A Visit to Lookout 
Mountain — Relics of the Recent Battle — The Re enlistment (Ques- 
tion Settled — The Regiment Finally gets Started Homeward — Inci- 
dents of the Journey . 250 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Indianapolis to Chattanooga — Furlough Ended — Returning to the Front 
— Louisville to Nashville by Rail — "Hooting it" to Chattanooga — 
Incidents by the Way — Familiar Camping Places Revisited — 
Arrival at Chattanooga — Preparing for an Active Campaign — 
Drilling — Fatigue Duty — The Pontoon Service 267 

CHAPTER XX. 

Beginning of the Atlanta Campaign — Chattanooga to Resaca — Inci- 
dents Preliminary to the Move — Breaking Stone — Organization of 
Regimental Christian Commission — Racket with Colored Troops — 
Small-pox — Pontoon Train Starts for the f>ont — Over Familiar 
(i round — Chickamauga Battlefield — Sound of Battle on the Left — 
Hurrving the Pontoons to the Front — Battle of Resaca — Flight at 
Lav's Ferry — Crossing the Oostanaula — Resaca Abandoned by the 
Rebels — Sherman's Army in Full Pursuit iSS 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Progress of the Atlanta Campaign — From the Oostanaula to the Chat- 
tahoochee — Crossing the Etowah — Johnson's Position at AUa- 
toona Flanked — About Burnt Hickory — Skirmishing all Along the 
Line — Repairing Bridges — Pontoons at Etowah Station — Incidents 
of the Forward Movement — Ackworth — Pine Mountain — Kenesaw 
— Marietta — Fronting Rebel Ritle Pits Across Chattahoochee 301 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Along the Chattahoochee — Moving up the River — Surprising the Enemy 
at Phillips' Ferry — Bridging the Stream at Several Points — Driv- 
ing the Rebels Back — Some Severe Fighting — Night Expedition to 
Sandtown — Change of Rebel Commanders — Progress of the War, 
East and West — A Sick Chaplain — Leave of Absence ._ 339 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

On Furlough— A Chapter Pertaining to Personal Matters — Delays and 
Discomforts of Travel by Rail — At Chattanooga — At Nashville — 
At Louisville — At Home — How the Time was Spent — What I Saw 
and Heard — How I Got Back to my Regiment 351 



CONTENTS. 9 

CHAPTER XXIV. PAfjE 

An Expedition to Sandtown — Crossing Kiipatrick's Cavalr}- — A Raid 
to the Rear of Atlanta — Stirring up the Enemy — Following our 
Cavalry — A Critical Situation — Preparation for Defence — The 
Rebels do not Come — March to Jonesboro — Atlanta Evacuated — 
Campaign Ended — Back to Chattahoochee — Our Regimental Camp 
— Other Matters of Importance ^C>2 

CHAPTER XXV. 

In Camp on the Chattahoochee — Some Exciting Incidents to Vary the 
Monotony — Desertion of Shaw, Fullerton and Pierson — Capture of 
our Mules — Exciting but Fruitless Chase — Communications with 
the North Severed — New Recruits — Watch Presentation — Non- 
Veterans Return Home — Preparations to Join Sherman in his 
March to Sa\annah — Leaving our Pleasant Camp 3S2 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

From Atlanta to the Sea — Moving Out from Chattahoochee — Burning 
our Q^iarters — Destruction of Atlanta — A Gorgeous Spectacle at 
Night — Pathetic Scenes — The Grand Army Moves Out in Three 
Cohmins — The Pontoniers Divided — A Historic Battlefield — Mil- 
ledgeville — Bridging the Oconee — Buffalo Creek — Sandersville — 
Ogeechee — Rocky Comfort — Refugees — Heartless Conduct of Gen- 
eral Jeft". C. Davis at Buck Head Creek — Also at Ebeneezer — 
Plenty of Variety and Excitement to Suit Everybody 406 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

"And so We Made a Thoroughfare — For Freedom and llcr Tiain — 
Sixty Miles of Latitude — Three Hundred to the Main — Treason 
Fled Before us — For Resistance was in Vain — \V'hile we were 
Marching Through Georgia — Closing in Around Savannah — News 
from our Fleet — The City Evacuated — Occupying the Place — Some- 
thing of its History — Places of Interest Visited and Described 431 

CHAPTER X.XVHI. 

Leaving Savannah--Marching Through Georgia Qjiicksands — Stuck in 
the Mud — At Sister's Ferry — Torpedoes — Preparation for Crossing 
the River — Difficulties in the Way — A Flooded Country — Pontoons 
and Perseverance Never Fail — Into South Carolina — No Leniency 
for that Rebellious State — Incidents of the March 460 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Carolina Campaign Continued— Lexington District — An Abundance of 
Forage — War's Desolation — Thoughtless Destruction — Crossing 
Broad River Under Difficulties — Bad Generalship — At Winsboro — 
Columbia — Charleston ICvacuated — General Sherman — Officers of 



10 CONTENTS. 

the 14th Corps — A Roast for General Davis — Crossing the Cataw- 
ha — Disaster to the Pontoon Bridge — The Boy that Stood on the 
Bridge — In North Carolina — Favelteville — Events Crowding upon 
Events 4S0 

CHAPTER XXX. 

At Goldsboro — Close of a Campaign Full of Exciting Events^Some 
Severe Fighting — In Communication with Home and Friends Once 
More — Preparing for the Final Campaign — News of the Fall of 
Richmond — Lee's Surrender — Great Rejoicing — Moving on Toward 
Johnson's Army — Now for a Completion of the Work of Crushing 
the Rebellion 506 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Closing Events of the War — ^Johnston's Surrender — Peace Declared — 
On our Homeward Journey — Raleigh — Richmond — Bull Run — 
Alexandria — Washington — The Great Military Review — Farewell 
to the Pontoon Train — On to Louisville — Impatiently Waiting the 
Order to Go Home — At the Dedication of the Regimental Monu- 
ment — Mustered Out — Home Again 526 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

From Chickamauga to Richmond — How Sergeant W. B. Crawford was 
Compelled to Make the Journey — Some of the Experiences of a 
Prisoner of War — Taunts and Jeers by the Way — Thieving Propen- 
sities of the Captors--Likewise their Inhumanity — Their Utter In- 
difference to the wants of the Prisoners — Sickness, Hunger and 
Starvation — Incidents in Pemberton Prison — At Danville — Tunnel- 
ing — In Hospital — Exchanged — Under the Stars and Stripes Once 
More — An Entry Into the Better Land 541 



APPENDIX. 

One of Sherman's Bummers 55S 

The Army Poet ^f>2 

Chaplain Hight's Report to Conference ._ 564 

Biographical Sketches — 

Dr. Andrew Lewis ,- 567 

General George P. Buell... 56S 

Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Moore 571 

Lieutenant-Colonel James T. Embree .. 572 

Colonel H. M. Carr _ 573 

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park _. 574 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE 

John J. I light Frontispiece 

Gilbert R. Stormont 14 

President Lincoln 23 

Dr. Andrew Lewis 26 

Mrs. Ophelia Hanks Mowry 36 

Mrs. Irene Kirkman Coolidge 3S 

Mrs. John J. IIight_ 43 

Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Moore 52 

Captain C. C. Whiting 58 

Dr. W. W. Blair 63 

General George P. Buell 76 

Captain J. M. Smith So 

Dr. J. R. Adams 85 

Andrew Gudgel 96 

Dr. W. R. McMahan 109 

John M. Stormont 125 

Monument of Fifty-eighth Indi- 
ana Regiment . 143 

Captain Charles II. Bruce 190 

Captain William E. Chappell 2oy 

General P. II. Sheridan .. .. 214 

Valentine E. Ilobbs 221 

Monroe Key 232 

Isaiah S. Hay 245 

James C. Knox 275 



PACJE 

Map of the Atlanta Campaign 303 

Captain IIenr^• Torrence 311 

Gilbert Armstrong 337 

Qiiincy A.Harper 354 

George W. Gasaway 360 

Destroying a Railroad 365 

S. F. Utley. 386 

Thos. J. Haddock 399 

Map of Marches through Georgia 
and the Carolinas 429 

Dr. S. E. Holtzman 462 

Rev. Wiley Knowles 47S 

Rev. Abner M. Bryant 510 

John W. Emmerson 515 

R. M. Munford 518 

Captain William Davis 519 

Henry Hudson Phillips z^22 

Captain J. E. Voorhees 527 

Andrew McMaster 530 

Lieutenant Zack Jones 532 

George W. Shopbell 535 

Joseph N.Davis 53S 

Rev. William B. Crawford 543 

W. J. Redburn.. 559 



STATEMENT. 



DURING his army service, Chaplain Hight kept a daily 
journal of events, writing down, in detail and with 
precision, everything of interest that transpired in the 
Regiment, and such incidents connected with the army 
as came under his personal observation. These notes 
were made day by day as the events occurred, or at least 
while the events were fresh in his memory. The manu- 
script was carefully preserved and from time to time, as 
opportunity offered, the completed sheets were sent to his 
home. Thus, at the close of the war there had accumu- 
lated nearly two thousand pages of this manuscript. It 
was the writer's intention to revise and arrange this for pub- 
lication, but on account of other duties more pressing this 
purpose was postponed from time to time. The collection 
of manuscript, however, was carefully preserved among his 
papers, waiting for a leisure time in the busy life of the 
author, when he could carry out his purpose of preparing 
this history for publication. That leisure time never came. 
In the midst of the activities of life he was stricken down 
by the hand of disease, and his life work was soon ended. 
The work he had laid out concerning the publication of the 
book must be done by others, if done at all. 

At a meeting of the 58th Indiana Regimental Association, 
held in Princeton, in December, 1892, the matter of taking 
up and completing the work contemplated by Chaplain Might 
was presented. Mrs. Hight was present at this meeting and 
offered to donate to the Association the manuscript of her 
late husband, provided a way could be found to publish the 
book. She also offered whatever assistance she might be 
able to contribute towards this undertaking;. The unani- 
mous expression of all tlie members of the Regiment was 



STATEMENT. 13 

in favor of publishing the book, and a commiltce was 
appointed to devise ways and means for the accomplishment 
of this desire. This committee was composed of Mrs. Mary 
M. Hight, G. R. Stormont and Dr. W. R.'McMahan. 

After due consideration the committee reported in favor 
of raising a guarantee fund, by voluntary subscriptions, by 
which an amount might be secured to pay the expense of 
publishing the book. This plan was approved at a meeting 
of the Executive Committee of the Regimental Association, 
and steps were at once taken to secure the required number 
of subscriptions to the proposed guarantee fund. For one 
cause and another the project was delayed, so it was some 
months before the committee was able to announce that the 
guarantee fund had reached an amount sufficient to justify 
undertaking the work. At this time the publishing com- 
mittee was increased by the addition of the "other members 
of the Regimental Executive Committee. 

In April, 1894, this committee entered into a contract with 
Gil. R. Stormont, publisher of the Princeton Chxrion, to 
revise and arrange the manuscript, and to publish the same 
in a substantial book, in accordance with the specifications 
submitted. Within a short time after this the work was 
begun by the compiler and publisher, and has been pushed 
to completion as fast as possible under the circumstances. 
As to the arrangement and mechanical execution of the 
work, the book itself is submitted in evidence. The Com- 
mittee believes that it is a work that does honor to the 
memory of Chaplain Hight and to the Regiment to which 

he w^as so earnestly devoted. 

Mrs. Mary M. Hight, 
Dr. W. R. McMahan, 
Gil. R. Stormont, 
Capt. C. C. Whiting, 
Dr. W. W. Blair, 
R. M. Munford, 
John M. Stormo.xt, 

Publishing Committee, 



PREFACE. 



IN the catalogue of books pertaining to the war this 
volume will occupy a somewhat unique place. Unlike 
other histories of the war period, it is not made up 
from memory of events long after they have transpired, but 
is a record written day by day, while the events were fresh 
in the writer's mind. The book does not make any pre- 
tensions to accurate description of the general move- 
ments of the army ; all this has been done, and sufficiently 
done, in other publications. 

This is a simple story of what was done by one Regiment 
— a very small part of the grand army — in the work of 
crushing the rebellion. It is a plain recital of the minor 
incidents in the daily life of one of the Regiments that was 
but an insignificant part of that mighty host, beneath whose 
tread a continent was rocked more than a quarter of a cen- 
turv ago. It is a record of the personal experiences and 
observations of one individual who, as a part of one of the 
minor organizations of this grand army, shared the priva- 
tions and dangers common to all. It is a pen picture of a 
soldier's life in camp, on the march and on the battlefield. 
It is the drawing aside of the veil that hides scenes of 
the past, and disclosing to view, in a most realistic manner, 
events that were so familiar to those who participated in 
them, a generation ago. 

In the arrangement of Cluiplain 1 light's manuscript for 
publication the compiler has endeavored to preserve the gen- 
eral features of the text, and carry out the design of the 
author, so far as this was known from personal expressions 




GILBERT R. STORMONT, 

COMPILER AND PIBLISHRR. 



PREFACE. 15 

frequently made before his death, and from expressions 
found in the manuscript itself. Only such changes were 
made as seemed to be necessary to conform to this general 
design. The greater part of the writing was done by 
the author under circumstances that were not con- 
ducive to the most careful thouo-ht. Often the facil- 
ities for writing were of the crudest sort ; and yet a 
very remarkable feature of this most remarkable col- 
lection of manuscript, is that it was so well written 
and was kept in such excellent condition. In the 
earlier months of the Re<;iment's service the historv was 
written in skeleton, and man}^ important facts were either 
omitted or were presented in a fragmentary shape. To fill 
out such omitted portions the compiler had to rely on his 
own private diary, which he fortunately found, covering that 
period, aided by his memory of those events. But for 
the most part the manuscript of Chaplain Hight was com- 
plete, and the editor's talent was most largely exercised in 
condensing and eliminating, in order to bring the matter 
within the compass of a book of reasonable size. Chaplain 
Hight had a style of writing peculiarly his own, and the 
reader will have little difficulty in distinguishing it from any 
other. He was very much disposed to speak plainly, and 
was not sparing in his criticism of men and measures that 
fell short of his ideal standard. He was thoroughly demo- 
cratic in his ideas and had an utter detestation of snobs and 
the snobbish ways, so commonly manifested among officers 
in the army. 

Chaplain Hight was a Christian and a patriot. His faith 
in his countr}^ was as unwavering as his faith in his God. 
He never entertained a doubt as to the final result of the war, 
because he believed that the cause for which the Union army 
contended was right, and that the God of right and justice 
was on our side. His expectation was tluit the curse of 
slavery would be abolished and the Union would be more 
firml}^ established, as the result of the war, and it was his 
privilege to live to see the full fruition of his dearest hope. 



16 PREFACE. 

In the preparation of this volume, the writer acknowl- 
edo-es his indebtedness to a number of persons for favors 
extended and valuable assistance rendered. Among these 
special mention is made of Rev. David B. Flo3^d, of New- 
ville. Pa., author of "The History of the 75th Indiana." In 
addition to many useful suggestions, cheerfully given by him, 
he kindlv permitted the use of some of the cuts which had 
appeared in his book. These are the cuts which appear in 
this volume on pages 303, 365 and 429. Acknowledgement 
is also due Rev. J. H. Ketchum, of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, for 
the Introduction which he so kindly furnished. For such 
matter as appears in this work, in foot notes, as extracts 
from various authors, due credit is given in connection 
there witli. 

And now, the task assigned me having been completed, 
this volume is submitted as m}^ best conception of what was 
reqviired. There has been no small amount of labor and 
responsibility involved in the work. But there has also been 
much of pleasure in living again, as it seemed, in the old 
times and participating again in the stirring scenes of arm}'- 
life. Such experience will doubtless come to many who read 
these pages. To many, there will come memories that will 
awaken sorrow and start the tears afresh, but when the mind 
reverts to the present, we may all rejoice in the fact that 
peace and joy have spread their silver wings over the deso- 
lations and bereavements of the past, and that we now have, 
as a result of the sulTerings endured and sacrifices made, a 
regenerated republic — a free and \inited people, with one 
country and one flag. 

GILBERT R. STORMONT. 

Princeton, Ind., August, 1895. 



INTRODUCTION. 



TWK chapters contained in this \()hnne are trraphic pen- 
pictures of arm}- life, hv the hite Dr. John J. Higlit, 
whih^ Chaplain of the gallant 58th Indiana Regiment. Tiie 
places, the persons, the scenes and the incidents iierein 
described are true pictures, drawn bv a close observer of 
men and affairs, and reads like a tale of romance. To the 
man}' friends of the deceased author this book will be a rare 
souvenir of priceless value. How it will be prized, espec- 
ially by tlie surviving members of his old Regiment. As 
the battle scared veteran, now nearing his end, peruses its 
pagt\s what memories of the past will crowd his mind. 
What visions of bv-gone vears now rise before him. He 
lives his armv life over again. He hears the shout of battle, 
liie roar of cannon, the rattle of musketr^' and the clash of 
arms. Amid the wounded and tiie dving that lie here and 
tliere on the field of carnage and death there bends a majestic 
form, doing all in his power to alleviate their sufferings and 
cheer up their feinting hearts. Who is he? Why, that is 
the faithful Chaplain, loved and respected b}'- every man in 
the Regiment. 

Many a mother, as she reads in this book a touching ref- 
erence to her sick soldier boy, and how tenderly he was 
cared for by this good man, will thank God in her heart, 
and bless the name of John J. Hight. 

This book will alike be interesting to the members of the 
Indiana Conference, with whom Dr. Hight was associated 
for a third of a century, and the people of the respective 
charges he served as pastor. In every sentence and para- 
graph will stand out in bold relief some characteristic of 
Chaplain Hight; "How that sounds like John," will be 
said time and again bv those who knew iiim intimately. 



1» IXTRODKTFOX. 

Tlie new generation will also read this book, not only ior 
the valuable information it contains, but the vein of humor 
and occasional flashes of wit running through every chapter. 

But to the cultured wife and daughter, who still live to 
mourn the loss of a faithful husband and affectionate father, 
this book will be an invaluable treasure, and ever remind 
them of one of the purest lives that ever lived. 

After awhile it may be asked. Who was Chaplain Might? 
What State in the Union produced such a man ? WHiere did 
he come from ? and What was the secret of his success in 
life? The men of the Grand Army of the Republic are 
rapidly passing away. Few are left. Tiie great majorily 
who battled under the flag of our country for its life, are 
sleeping their last sleep. The time is not far distant in the 
future when the last living comrade of tiiese dead will cross 
the dark river, to join the great armies gone before. Tiie 
early associates of Chaplain Hight, in the ministry, are just 
as rapidly passing away. Of those who constituted the 
Indiana Conterence when he entered, only a handful 
remains. Soon the gates will open and tlie last one pass 
out into the unseen. 

For the benefit of those who are to come hereafter — the 
children's children — of the surviving veterans, and thous- 
ands of others, the following brief sketch of the life, char- 
acter and work of Chaplain Hight is herein inserted by one 
who was the friend and companion of his youth : 

Born in Bloomington, Ind., December 4, 1834, and died 
in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 18, 1886. 

Graduated in the Indiana State University with credit to 
himself and that institution, August 4, 1854. 

United with the M. E. Church in his native town, Novem- 
ber 20, 1853, and entered the traveling connection in the 
Indiana Conference November 15, 1854. 

His flelds of labor were diversified. Two years were 
spent in circuit work ; eleven in station work ; three as 
Chaplain in the Union army ; one as Centennary agent in the 
interest of our denominational schools: four in district work 



INTRODrCTION. 19 

as Presiding Elder, and eleven as associate editor of the 
West cm Christian Advocate. 

Thus, for nearly a third of a century Chaplain I light was 
prominently before the public. With tongue and pen, bv 
precept and example, with tears and entreaties, he labored 
to exalt the race and make the world better. He had all the 
instincts and elements of the true reformer, and it was his 
soul's delii/ht to battle for the rio-ht. And now that we no 
longer see his manly form among the children of men, nor 
hear his voice in trumpet tones rallying the hosts of right- 
eousness to greater conquests, we cannot make him dead ; 

"There are no dead." 
It is true, many of them are gone ; singly the}' came, singly 
they depart. When their work was done they lay down to 
sleep : but never one hath died. 

Chaplain Hight had great hope in the future for his coun- 
tr^•. He believed the bitterness engendered by sectional 
strife woidd ere long die out, and the flag he loved wave in 
the sunsiiine of peace and prosperity throughout the length 
and breadth of our vast domain. Then 

•'Some sweet bird of the South, 
Would build in everv cannon's mouth 
Till the only sound from its rusty throat 
Would be a wren's or a blue bird's note." 

To-day, if Chaplain Hight could whisper in mortal ear 
across the great gulf betwixt this and the life beyond, he 
would say to his friends that still linger on the shores of 
time, 

"So live that when the Mighty Caravan, 
Which halts one night time in the vale of death, 
Shall strike its white tents for the morning march 
Thou shalt mount onward to the eternal hills; 
Thy foot unwearied and thj strength renewed 
I.ike the strong eagle's, for the upward flight." 

J. H. KETCHAM. 

Mt. Vernon, Ind. 



CHAPTER I. 



Preliminary En'knts of i86i — How tiik News of the 
Firing on Fort Sumter Aroused the Loyal Peo- 
ple — Enthusiastic Response to the Call of Gov. 
Morton — Companip:s and Regiments in Southern 
Indiana — The 58T11 Indiana R]<:<;iment in Camp 
Gibson. 



N no part of the country did the fall of Fort Sumter kin- 
dle in the hearts of the people a greater degree of patri- 
otic ardor than was manifested in the First Congressional 
District of Indiana, a section of the country known as the 
"Pocket." The people of this section were largely de- 
scendants of a long line of hunters, tVontiersmen, early set- 
tlers, soldiers, Indian fighters and adventurers. They were 
full by nature of a spirit of patriotism, excitement and 
adventure, and having been taught from early infanc}' to 
resent every affront, and especially, ever\ insult to the Na- 
tional flag and the National Union, it was not unnatural that 
they should be aroused by the shock that electrified the 
Nation when the news flasiied across the country that the 
old flag had been fired upon. In no part of the Union was 
there manifested a greater indignation at the insult — nowhere 
was there shown a more eager determination to resent the 
dishonor that had been placed upon our National banner. 
They sprang to arms at their country's call like the High- 
landers of Scotland, among whom wen- found many of their 
ancestors, when summoned by the "blue banner and bloody 
cross." 



22 CHAI'LAIN HKiHTS HISTORY OF THK 

One can never forget the excitement and enthusiasm of 

those days of 1861. On the impulse of the moment men 

offered themselves in almost countless numbers. Many of 

the men who were first to offer their services as volunteers 

were not received by the authorities, for tlie mapnitude of 

the impending struggle against the rebellion was not then 

fully understood by the Government. Among those who 

were more fully cognizant of the seriousness of the work 

that was before us and the necessity of gi'appling with the 

rebellious power that had been raised against the Govern^ 

ment with a strong force and with earnestness, was Governor 

O. P. Morton, of Indiana. On the morning of the 15th of 

April, 1 86 1, immediately after the news of the tiring upon 

Sumter had been received, the Governor sent the following 

message to President Lincoln : 

To Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States: 

On behalf of the State of Indiana, I tender to you, for the defense of tlie 

Nation, and to uphold the autJiority of the Government, ten thousand men. 

(Si,^med) O. P. MORTON. 

Governor of Itidiana. 
> 

The same da}' the President issued his proclamation call- 
ing for seventy-iive thousand volunteers from the several 
States in the Union, for the suppression of the rebellion. 
Under this call Indiana's quota was only si.x Regiments of 
infantr}^ comprising in officers and men less than 5,000, 
who were to serve for a period of three months, unless 
sooner discharged. On the i6th of April, Governor Morton 
issued a proclamation, briefly reciting the acts of the rebellion 
which was threatening the destruction of the Union, and 
calling upon the loyal men of Indiana to organize them- 
selves into military Companies sufficient to make six Regi- 
ments for muster into service of the United States. The 
response to this call was a manifestation of patriotism that 
was phenomenal, and left no doubt in the mind of any as to 
the earnestness and devotion of Indiana to the cause of the 
Union. In less than a week more than 12,000 men had 
tendered their services to Governor Morton. As this was 
nearly three times as many as Indiana's quota required, the 



FIFTY-KKtHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 



23 



contest between Companies to secure acceptance became 
quite spirited. In many cases the}^ went to Indianapolis 
without orders and Company officers made a personal en- 
treat}' of the Governor for muster into the United States 
service. But the Governor had to decline all enlistinents 
beyond the number called for. Finding it impossible, how- 
ever, to restrain the tide of volunteering within the limits of 
the three months' call, and being impressed with the neces- 
sity and importance of immediately placing an overwhelm- 
ing force in active service, he tendered the Secretary of 
War six additional Regiments, withovit conditions as to the 

term of service, with the assur- 
ance that they would be ready in 
six days if accepted. Communi- 
cation with Washington was cut 
oft' and there was some delay in 
getting a response to this ofter. 
But in the meantime the Gov- 
ernor determined to put the six 
additional Regiments in camp 
and under discipline at once, 
and to hold them subject to the 
demand of the Government. 
This determination of the Gov- 
ernor to anticipate a second call 
of the President for volunteers 
was received with jnuch satisfaction by the thousands of loyal 
and patriotic young men who had tendered their services 
and had failed to get in under the quota of the first call. 
Moreover, this action of the Governor had a good eflect in 
allaying the fear and feeling of danger that was entertained 
by the people living in the counties bordering on the Ohio 
River, on account of the threatened invasion of rebel bands 
from Kentucky. Public confidence was further encouraged 
by prompt measures set on foot b}- the Governor to procure 
arms and equipments for the state troops and by the organi- 
zation in manv counties of Home Guards, who were armed 




PRESIDKNT LINCOLN. 



24 CHAPLAIN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THK 

tor the time being with the old-fashioned squirrel rifles and 
such other weapons as could be gathered up in the neigh- 
borhood. In a large number of cases the Home Guards 
were not armed with anything in the shape of a weajion 
more deadh^ nor dangerous than a broom stick. But the 
results obtained by their organization and drill were none 
the less advantageous, notwithstanding their meagre and 
ineffective equipments. The drill in compan}- evolutions 
and in the manual of arms by these Home Guards proved to 
be highly beneticial to them in a few months when an op- 
portunity was afforded members of these organizations to 
enlist in the United States service, an opportunity of which 
many availed themselves. Thus it was that Southern In- 
diana, especially, was so earh^ organized for military service 
and was enabled to respond so promptly with well drilled 
Companies as the}^ were called for trom time to time for 
service as soldiers in the army of the Union. 

The Governor had called an extra session of the Legis- 
lature to meet April 24th. In his special message to that 
body assembled he reviewed the history of the secession 
movement, and set forth the part already performed by the 
State in compliance with the President's call. He then 
said : 

"In view of all the facts it becomes the imperative duty of Indiana to make 
suitable preparations for the contest bv providing ample supplies of men and 
money to insure the protection of the State and the general government in 
the prosecution of the war to a speedy and successful termination. I, there- 
fore, recommend that one million dollars be appropriated for the purchase of 
arms and munitions of war, and for the organization of such portion of the 
militia as may be deemed necessary for the emergency; that a militia system 
be devised and enacted, looking chiefly to volunteers, which shall insure the 
greatest protection to the State and unitv and efficiency of the force to be 
emplo3'ed. That a law be enacted defining and punishing treason against 
the State. * * * * That suitable provision be made by the issue of 
bonds, or otherwise, for raising the money herein recommended to be appro- 
priated; and that all necessary and proper legislation be had to protect the 
business, property and citizens of the State under the circumstances in 
which they are placed." 

The legislature promptly and with great unanimity en- 
acted laws in liarmony with the recommendation made by 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REtJIMENT. 25 

Governor Morton, and the State was placed on a military 
footing, with proper and efficient militia laws, a condition ot 
affairs in which Indiana had been sadly deficient prior to 
this time. 

Under the first call several Companies were raised in 
Southern Indiana, but none were accepted. Among these 
was a company raised in Princeton and vicinity by Captain 
J. G. Vail. This Company- was filled within a tew days 
at'ter the firing on Fort Sumter and was the first enlistment 
in Gibson covmty of volunteers for the United States service. 
It was mustered into the three years' service under a later 
call, for it was soon discovered that the rebellion was of 
orreater magnitude than was commonly believed at the be- 
ginning of hostilities. The President's second call for 300,- 
000 volunteers to serve for three years or during the war, 
was the official confirmation of the worst fears of man}- who 
had from the first regarded the condition of affiiirs with the 
greatest apprehensions. The flippant talk of making a 
breakfast spell of suppressing the rebellion was not indulged 
in after the battle of Bull Run and President Lincoln's call 
for three years service. These two events had the effect to 
arouse the patriotic people of the countr}^ to the fact that the 
war on hand was one of serious and terrible earnestness. 
While the opportunities afforded for enlistment under the 
second call was greatly enlarged the seriousness of this step 
was also more apparent. But still this did not discourage 
the ardor of the young men whose patriotic indignation had 
been aroused by the dishonor placed upon their country's 
flag. The volunteering went on and from all walks and 
conditions of life the youth and flower of the land came 
forward to offer themselves in defense of the Union. Com- 
panies and Regiments were formed in various parts of In- 
diana and after a few days drilling they were sent to the 
front to join other troops that were in active service. 

During the first six months of the contest there were four 
full Regiments organized in the first congressional district, 
besides a number of Companies and fragments of Companies 



26 CHAPLATX RIGHT'S HISTORl OF THE 

attached to various other Regiments organized in other parts 
of the State. These regiments were the 24th, by Col. Alvin 
P. Hovey, organized at Vincennes, in July ; the 25th, by 
Col. James C. Veach, at Evansville ; the First Cavalry, by 
Col. Baker, at the same time and place ; the 42d, by Col. 
Jones, also organized at Evansville in the month of Sep- 
tember. 

It was in the latter part of September, 186 1, that a petition 
was sent to Governor Morton by some of the citizens of 
Princeton, asking permission to raise another Regiment from 
the First District and requesting that it be organized at 
Princeton. This request was promptlv granted and the 
number assigned to the Regiment to be organized was tiie 
58th Indiana. Dr. Andrew Lewis, one of the most enter- 
prising and most patriotic citizens of Princeton, and one who 
had a ver^^ extensive acquaintance in the surrounding- 
counties, was largely instrumental in ol:)taining the consent 
of Governor Morton tor the organization of this Regiment 
at this place. At the request of the Governor, Dr. Lewis 
accepted the position of Colonel of the Regiment. H. M. 
Carr, of Crawfordsville, who had served in the nth Indiana 
as Captain, during the three months' service, and had 
re-enlisted in the three years' ser\nce in that Regiment, was 
commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel. After the organization 
was complete Dr. Lewis resigned, on account of not being 
able to arrange his private business so that he could go with 
the Regiment to the field, and Lieutenant-Colonel Carr was 
promoted to the Colonelcy. The roster of tield officers was 
completed by the appointment of George P. Buell, of Law- 
renceburg, Lieutenant-Colonel ; James T. Embree, of 
Princeton, Major. The following staff' officers were 
appointed : J. Lee Yaryan, of Richmond, Adjutant ; Samuel 
Sterne, of Princeton, Qiiartermaster ; Dr. W. W. Blair, of 
Princeton, Surgeon; Dr. J. R. Adams, of Petersburg, 
Assistant Surgeon ; Joseph Grant, of Utica, Sergeant-Major ; 
Henry Torrence, Xenia, Ohio, Qiiartermaster Sergeant ; 
John G. Beiim, Princeton, Commissarv Sergeant; James 




DR. ANDREW LEWIS. 

For Biographical Sketch see page 567. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 27 

Hadlock, Hospital Steward. The appointment of Chaplain 
was not made for several months alter the Regiment was 
orp-anized. The rendezvous of the Regiment was in tiie 
Gibson count}^ fair grounds and was known as Camp Gibson . 
The following are the Company organizations : 

Compan}'- A was recruited from Gibson and Pike counties, 
largely, and had first gone into camp at Evansville with the 
expectation of becoming a part of the ^id Indiana, which 
was then forming at that place. Finding that Regiment 
full, the Company was ordered to Princt^ton and thus 
became the first Company of the 58th Indiana, and one ot 
the first to enter Camp Gibson. The Company was officered 
as follows: Captain Thomas G. Brown, of Gentry ville ; 
First Lieutenant William Davis, Francisco ; Second Lieu- 
tenant John Moke, Princeton. 

Company B was almost all from Gibson county. In its 
original organization this was, perhaps, the most exclusivel}' 
Gibson county Company that was in the service. It went 
into Camp Gibson October 21, 1861, with its full maximum 
strength, and of this number ninet3'-seven were enlisted in 
Gibson county. Many in this Company had, previous to 
enlistment, been members of Home Guard Companies, and 
had acquired quite a good deal of knowledge of military 
tactics. The consequence was that the Company soon 
became very proficient in drill and it easily maintained this 
distinction throughout the service. The officers of Company 
B were Captain Joseph Moore, Francisco ; First Lieutenant 
Simon D. Ewing, Francisco ; Second Lieutenant Bedford 
Reavis, Princeton. 

Company C was also recruited in Gibson county ver}- 
largely, though there were a good many from Pike and 
Dubois counties. It was among the first Companies in 
Camp Gibson, having enlisted in the early part of October, 
1 86 1. The officers were Captain William A. Downey, 
Patoka ; First Lieutenant Ephraim E. Woods, Patoka ; 
Second Lieutenant Joseph D. Fisher, Patoka. 

Company D only had a total of eighty-five when the Regi- 



28 CHAPLAIN HKtHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

ment left for the field, and these were about equally enlisted 
from Gibson and Pike counties. The officers were Captain 
Marston G. Hargrove, Oakland City ; First Lieutenant 
James C. Knox, Ladoga ; Second Lieutenant George Whit- 
man, Oakland City. 

Company E was mostly from Dubois, Pike and Martin 
counties, with several from Daviess, Vanderburg and Knox. 
As it appears on the roster of the Regiment, E Company is 
the onl}' one in the 58th that shows no enlistment from Gib- 
son county. It was a splendid Compan}' just the same and 
was well officered when it entered camp and became a part 
of the 58th. The Captain was Daniel J. Banta, Jasper; 
First Lieutenant Asbur}^ H. Alexander, Jasper; Second 
Lieutenant Jacob E. Voorhees, Terre Haute. 

Company F was mostl}^ from Spencer county, although 
Gibson furnished a goodly number of the original enlist- 
ments of that Company. The officers were Captain Joseph 
H. Crow, Gentry ville ; First Lieutenant William Overlin, 
Eureka; Second Lieutenant Daniel L. Cain, Rockport. 

Company G was very much like Company B in one 
respect, that is, that it was nearly all made up from one 
county. G Company was distinctively^ a Pike county or- 
ganization and it came into camp with the maximum 
strength. It was the oldest Company in the Regiment, 
having enlisted in the latter part of August with the expec- 
tation of becoming a part of another Regimental organiza- 
tion. ]>ut they were disappointed in this and, after being 
shifted about from one camp to another, they were finally 
ordered to Camp Gibson. The officers were Captain Wil- 
liam H. Donahey, Petersburg; First Lieutenant Samuel H. 
Spillman ; Second Lieutenant George Labaree, Petersburg. 

Company H was a Daviess county Company, It was not 
full when the Regiment left for the front, but afterwards 
received some recruits and became an efficient company, 
ready for every duty. The officers were Captain James Dale, 
Washington ; First Lieutenant Green McDonald, Washing- 
ton ; Second Lieutenant John S. Canfield, Washington. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 



29 



Company I was another of the companies that was almost 
wholly made up in Pike county. Its officers were Captain 
Jackson M. Kinman, Petersburg; First Lieutenant Wm. E. 
Chappel, Petersburg ; Second Lieutenant Lemuel R. Har- 
grove, Petersburg. 

Compan\- K was only partly organized when the Regi- 
ment left Camp Gibson. The organization was afterwards 
completed by the addition of some new recruits and b}^ an 
equalization of some of the larger companies, transferring 
the surplus men in each to Company K. The officers of 
this company were Captain Walter B. Carr, Crawfordsville ; 
First Lieutenant Charles H. Bruce, Ladoga; Second Lieu- 
tenant James M. Smith, Ladoga. 

In this connection the followinsf statement will be of in- 
terest. It shows the number of officers and men in the 
Regiment and the county from which the}- enlisted at the 
time of its departure from Camp Gibson : 

ORIGINAL ENLISTMENT. 





Gibson 


3 

0! 

I 
II 

3 
17 
38 
20 

3 
99 

2 

79 


n 
3 
n 

n 

1 




D 
c 
cr 




'r. 

5 
2 


r>' 

12 
I 

I 

6 




2 

a 
3' 


3 







X 

< 


< 
P 
3 
Q. 
rt 
■-1 

at! 

I 
I 




p* 

3 

fD 

E 


1-3 

p_ 


Field and StaC. 

Company A 

Company B 

Company C 

Company D_. .. 

Company E 

Company F 

Company G 

Company H 

Company I 

Company K__ _ 


6 
73 
97 
66 

42 

24 
3 

5 

2 

29 


I 

73 


II 

42 

I 


13 

4 


7 
I 

2 


7 
4 

2 


4 

I 
I 
5 
5 

2 

I 

4 
23 


n 
103 

105 
104 

85 
88 

lOI 

105 

1 

39 


Total... 


347 


273 


74 


c 


4 


58 


20 


17 


10 


13 


891 



By the loth of November the Companies had all taken up 
their abode in camp and the men had become more or less 
familiar with camp duties. Temporary barracks had been 



:j() CHAl'LAIN IIIUIITS HISTORY OF TIIK 

constructed b}- utilizing the exhibition sheds and cattle and 
horse stalls on the fair ground, making quite comfortable 
quarters for the boys who were learning the art of soldier- 
ing. Still, this mode of life was a great change from that to 
which many of the new soldiers had been accustomed and 
the effect of the change soon began to show in the increased 
number requiring medical treatment. The camp hospital 
was soon tilled with the sick, many of them suffering witli 
the measles. There was one death in camp, and there was 
just enough of a glimpse of the solemn realities of a soldier's 
life in the field to cause those who were capable of such a 
tiling to think seriously of the business before them. But 
such things did not disturb many, none, in fact, to such an 
extent that they desired to back out of their agreement to 
serve for "three years or during the war." So it was 
when the mustering officer came, on the 12th of Nova^mber, 
there was found no one in camp with an inclination to step 
out of the ranks. There was rather a disposition to make 
the best presentation possible and to evade such questions 
of the mustering officer as might cause their rejection. 

The Regiment remained in Camp Gibson about six weeks. 
The time being industriously employed in company and 
"squad drills" much to the dislike of many of the boys, 
when the novelty of the thing wore ofT. P>ut. \vhik> this 
daily drill was tiresome and monotonous to the privates, 
it was very pleasing to the newly fledged corporals, ser- 
geants and company oflicers, as it afforded them an oppor- 
tunity to exercise thtnr authority in training the raw rcxruit. 
After the companies had been sufficiently drilled so that 
the men could "stand up in two rows and march out end- 
ways," a regimental dress parade was attempted. Joe 
Grant, who had seen service, and had an ambition to see 
more, made himself quite efficient as the acting adjutant of 
the Regiment on such occasions. Joe was very conspicuous 
among the undisciplined officers and men in those early days 
of the R(>giment. On dress parade he iiad the admiration of 
all the ladies and was the object of envv of all the new officers 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RKGIMKNT. 31 

who had not yet caught on to the tactics. After a few 
weeks Colonel Carr came to camp, and he had such a fine 
manly presence and was possessed of svich a strong com- 
manding voice that he at once obtained the favor and re- 
spect of the members of the Regiment. He was a well 
drilled officer himself and on takincr command of the Recri- 
ment he instituted a more thorough discipline in camp duties. 
He organized a special school of instruction for the line 
officers and it was not long until the effect of it was shown 
in compan}^ drill. A regimental band had been organized 
by this time and with their services dress parade became 
quite an attraction to the people of town and country who 
were daily visitors to camp, bringing with them, usually, 
man}^ delicacies not found on the soldiers' bill of fare. 
These were gala days for the boys, but the}^ were not to last. 
Indeed, the boys did not want them to last. They had en- 
listed to put down the rebellion, they said, and they wanted 
to get to the front where they could be about their business. 
They had plenty to eat, good warm clothes, comfortable 
quarters, an opportunity to see their friends often, but there 
was one longing desire that was not satisfied while enjoying 
these luxuries in Camp Gibson. The thing that the}- wanted 
to hear, and as time wore along became more impatient 
about, was marching orders. But the long delayed orders 
came at last. On Wednesday night, December ii, just 
before time for turning into bunks, the order came for the 
Regiment to prepare three days' rations and be ready to move 
to Louisville the following Friday. On the reception of 
this news there went up such a shout from that camp as had 
never before been heard in these parts. Everybody was de- 
lighted although every one could but know that the contem- 
plated move was but the beginning of days of trial, privation 
and sutTering, and to man}' the end would be death. But 
war is a serious business and these men had counted the cost 
before enlisting. 

That night, and the day and night following there was hur- 
rying to and fro and everything was bustle and confusion in 



32 CHAPLAIN HIGHT^S HISTORY. 

camp. Strict orders had been given as to furloughs and the 
guards were doubled to prevent soldiers from jumping the 
fence and taking "French leave" on the night before de- 
parture. It was of no avail, however, as the soldiers went 
over the fence like a drove of sheep. Not content with this 
in many places the};- tore down whole sections of fence ; they 
captured the guard and burned the guard house, and in fact 
took possession of the camp for the time being. They were 
going to leave and proposed to celebrate the event in their 
own way. Next morning the sober second thought came to 
some who had been specially hilarious the night before, and 
the}' were affected in a different way. When wives, mothers, 
fathers, sisters, and sweethearts came into camp to witness 
their departure and bid them good bye, when the actual 
parting came, then there was an end to rioting and rowdy- 
ism. Then it seemed to dawn upon many for the first time 
that this going away was an affair that called for sober 
thought rather than for jovous hilaritv and reckless dissipa- 
tion. 

On Frida}^ morning, December 13, the Regiment was 
drawn up in line all accoutered and equipped readv to move. 
As the Regiment stood in line waiting for orders to march. 
Rev. John McMaster and Rev. J. E. Jenkins, representing 
the Gibson County Bible Society, passed down the line witli 
baskets filled with small pocket testaments and presented 
each member of the Regiment with a copy. This incident 
made a deep impression upon all and the testaments were 
highly prized by the recipients. The Regiment moved out 
of camp to the railroad depot and after a long wait there the 
train that was to carry us to Evansville finall}' came and 
we got aboard. 

There was a large crowd of people present to see us off, 
and amid the cheers and tears and lamentations of the multi- 
tude of waiting friends, with the waving of handkerchiefs 
and flags, and other demonstrations the train pulled out. 



CHAPTER II. 



On the Way to the Front — First Experience in Camp 
— Ox THE March to Bardstown — Brigade Organ- 
ization — Flag Presentation — Through Ken- 
tucky — Tennessee — At Nashville. 



ARRIVING at Evansville, the Regiment landed on the 
commons outside of the city and marched down Main 
street to the river. There we embarked on the steamer 
Baltic^ and after a few hours were on our way up the Ohio 
river, destined for Louisville. 

The Baltic was a very large boat and was provided with 
luxurious accommodations, but these were not available, or 
were insufficient for that emergency. The men had to sleep 
on the cabin floor or out on deck as best they could, all the 
comfortable sleeping space being overcrowded. But the 
boat ride was a novel experience to many, and they enjoyed 
it, notwithstanding the discomforts. Sometime during 
Saturday night the boat landed at Portland, below Louis- 
ville, and early on Sunday morning the Regiment began to 
disembark. It was nearly noon when everything was in 
readiness and the Regiment started on its first march. It 
was about four miles at that time from the place of landing 
to Louisville, proper, and the Regiment was required to 
march that distance and thence about two miles to a commons 
south of the city to a camping place. Here we drew tents, 
of the bell pattern, and spent our first night trying to sleep 
on the cold ground inside of a tent. Here also we had 
our first experience with the army "hard tack." While 



r{4 CHAPLAIN JIKIHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

here the equipments of the Regiment were completed and on- 
the 19th of December we started on our hrst march to Bards- 
town, Ky., a distance of about forty miles. There was a 
good turnpike all the way which was not so good for tender 
feet. Most of the boys were shod in store boots with thin 
soles, and there was a general complaint of blistered feet 
after the first day's march. The broad, thick soled shoe 
supplied by their Uncle Sam was much in favor with the 
boys after their experience on that fort}^ mile march. We 
arrived at Bardstown, December 21st, tired, weary and 
footsore, and not very much enraptured with arm}- life, so 
far as we had seen it. But this was but the beginning of 
our sorrows. Marching through town to the most uninvit- 
ing spot that could be found a few miles beyond, the Regi- 
ment went into camp on a hillside in a cedar forest. An- 
other kind of tent was issued to us here. It was called 
the Sibley tent. We had never seen anything like it, and 
had no idea how to put one of them up. It was a puzzle to 
master a Sibley tent to any one who had not travelled with a 
circus. But some genius in the Regiment did iind a solution, 
and others profited by his discovery, so in time the tents 
were up and camp established once more. Then it began 
to rain and continued for several days. All about the camp 
the soil was converted into nasty mud of various degrees of 
consistency. By this time there were a few members of the 
58th who would have been willing to exchange places with 
some patriotic citizen who had a good roof over his head 
and a comfortable bed in which to sleep. It had not occurred 
to man}^ of them until now that a soldier's life was of this 
sort. It was about this time that an order was given one 
night for the RegimcMit to be ready to march early the fol- 
lowing morning. When reveille was sounded next morning 
a stalwart private arose and peeped out of his tent. He 
found it was very dark and still raining. He turned back 
and remarkcnl to his comrades, "Surely we are not going to 
break camj-) and march this morning while it is raining this 
wa}^" lie had lived on a farm and had learned enough 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 85 

during his life to come in out of the rain, hut he found that 
morning, and in his after experience, that military- tactics 
had very little regard for the weather. The Regiment 
marched that morning — December 29th — to another camp- 
ing ground, about five miles south of Bardstown, on the 
Bowling Green pike. This was also a muddy place, but it 
was in an open freld and it was more suitable for a camp. 
During the month of December the Regiment traveled three 
hundred and seven miles — twenty-seven by rail, two hundred 
by steamer and eighty on foot. 

The object of moving the Regiment to this camp was two- 
fold, first because it was here afforded a more eligible site for a 
]")roperly alligned regimental camp, and second that it might 
be in proximity to other Regiments with which it was to be 
brigaded. Hitherto the 58th had not been associated with 
an}'- other Regiment. Now it was to take a place as part 
of a little army that was being organized in the vicinity of 
Bardstown under the command of Brigadier General T. J. 
Wood. At this new camp there soon arrived the other 
Regiments with which the 58th was to be brigaded. These 
were the 24th Kentucky, 40th Indiana and the 57th Indiana. 
Col. H. M. Carr, of the 58th, was assigned to the command 
of the Brigade, with General Wood commander of the divis- 
ion, headquarters in Bardstown. General Wood was a 
regular army officer and a very strict disciplinarian. He 
found an opportunit}^ here for the exercise of all his talents 
in this direction, in the development of these raw recruits into 
an army of disciplined soldiers. But it was done, although 
the process was often ver}- distasteful to the raw material 
from which the disciplined soldier was being developed. 

It was in this camp that the 58th received their stand of 
colors which had been procured by some of the patriotic 
ladies of Gibson county. It was the purpose to have pre- 
sented the colors before the Regiment left Camp Gibson, but 
circumstances were such that this could not be done. So, 
on the 14th day of January, 1862, a committee of three ladies 
from Gibson county brought the colors to Louisville where 



H(i 



THAI'LAIN HUiHT'S HISTOKY OF THE 



they were met by a delegation from the Regiment. The 
ladies composing this delegation were Misses Ophelia Hanks, 
Artemesia Hanks and Mollie Sumners. Miss Ophelia 
Hanks* made the presentation address and delivered the col- 
ors to Lieut. -Col. George P. Buell and Major J. T. Embree 
in the Louisville hotel. Following are the addresses made 
on that occasion : 

PRESENTATION ADDRESS BY MISS HANKS, 




Lieutenant- Colonel: 

I have the honor of presenting to you, the officers and soldiers of the 58th 
Regiment of Indiana Vokinteers, this beautiful stand of colors — the free gift 
of the patriotic ladies of Gibson county, of our beloved state of Indiana. 
First, is this 

"Flag of the heart's hope and home, 
By angel hands to valor given." 
Inspired by the glorious associations that cluster 
around this emblem of our united nationality, I 
doubt not that the officers and soldiers composing 
your gallant Regiment will nerve themselves for the 
conflict and bear it in triumph over every battle 
field. 

The second is your Regimental banner. Upon 
its blue field we have inscribed the American 
luigle, the symbol of American liberty and great- 
ness. This is a fitting emblem for an Indiana Regi- 
ment, for in the Indiana soldier is concentrated all 
that is truly great and heroic, and may we hope that 
whilst the sight of this beautiful flag may stimulate 30U to deeds of valor, 
that you will not forget that true greatness is alwaj's associated with mag- 
nanimity. Therefore, if the fortune of war should place in your hands the 
common foe, show to him that you are not only "great, but good" — be mag- 
nanimous, be merciful. Indiana is justly proud of her citizen soldiers. 
Their names are thus far associated with every hotly contested battle, and 
the donors of these beautiful colors cherish the hope that when your Regi- 
ment, under your leadership, shall be called upon to engage in deadly conflict 
with the enemy, that new lustre will be added to the already bright sheen of 
Indiana's valor. 

Colonel, trusting that this unhappy strife tnay soon end in an honorable 
peace, and that not one star shall be displaced from our national galaxv, 
and that every stripe may remain unmarred. I bid you fiuewell. and may 
Heaven's choicest blessing attend you. 

* Now Mrs. James S. Mowry, Princeton, Ind. She is the only one of 
this committee living at the time this is published. 



MRS. Ol'llIiLlA ll.\XKS 
MOWRV. 



FIFTY-EItiHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. ;57 

RESPONSE BY LIEUT.-COL. BUELL. 

Ladies of »iy Native State: 

In company with Major Embree, I stand here as the representative of 
Col. Carr and the sSth Indiana Regiment. Though I do not feel capable of 
occupving the position. I feel complimented and am happy to be the recip- 
ient of those colors in person. The demonstration of the ladies of Gibson 
county is truly most gratifying and encouraging to every member of our 
Regiment. 

As a token of vour true patriotism and high regard for the cause in 
which vour fathers and brothers have enlisted, you have presented us with 
the banners under which we a»e to march. Ladies, we will take these tiags, 
and whilst we thank you from our inmost hearts, we will bear them most 
nobly; as we enter upon the battle field beneath them we shall call God to 
witness that our motto shall be one thousand deaths rather than defeat. We 
do not say this boastingly — we feel it; our hearts and souls are enveloped in 
flames of passionate love and pride for this sacred ensign. There is within 
man a hidden passion, which, when aroused, he knows no conquerer; there 
is a period in the career of nations when their patriots are all brave. With 
us that passion is aroused — with Indiana that time has come; fifty thousand 
of her sons are already in the field. Indiana needs no encomiums! let others 
behold and judge for themselves. 

My friends, these colors may meet the reverse of fortune — they mav fall; 
if so. our hope and prayers shall be that we fall with them. We are a Regi- 
ment of brothers, defending a mother's cause; there is not one of us can look 
at this emblem of his country for a moment but his e>'es will kindle and his 
heart will throb with the noblest emotion of man. Think of it and then ask, 
"shall we carry them safely through?" Ah. thou stainless shroud of Wash- 
ington forsaken.? And that by Indianians.' Never! Never! I can assure 
you we can appreciate the feelings that has prompted you to show this last 
act of kindness to many of us. We have all left behind us our happy homes. 
By yielding to their country's call, our mothers, wives and sisters have 
already cast an eternal gloom over their domestic firesides. Before me are 
sisters who would weep days and weeks over the death bed or grave of a 
dear friend, but who have this day, without a summons or tear, marched 
forward, bearing in the right hand their country's baimer and leading with 
the left a father or brother to the sacrifice. Is not this love of country.? 
Is not this deep, undying patriotism.? History may relate deeds of 
valor, nations may boast of their oft'spring, but none now can be 
more proud than Indiana shall be of her daughters, and Indianians of their 
sisters. 

Sisters, we bid you adieu. We are brothers and soldiers; our lot is 
perilous. Throughout the hills and vales' of Kentucky many of us may soon 
rest beneath the sod, and when such shall be our fate, the boon we shall ask 
will be one tear for the soldier, one sigh for the brother. Once more, in 
behalf of the 5Sth Regiment, expressive of the heartfelt feelings of each and 
every member. I thank vou most sincerely. Farewell. 




Hii CHAPLAIN HKIHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

The ladies afterward accompanied the delegation to the 
regimental camp at Bardstown, where the colors were for- 
mally presented to the Regiment at dress parade. Among 
th^ ladies who accompanied the committee from Princeton 
was Miss Irene Kirkman, who sang "The Star Spangled 
Banner" and other patriotic songs on that 
occasion. Miss Kirkman 's singing and 
the presence of these ladies brought new 
life and patriotic ardor to the soldiers 
camped upon that'bleak, cold field. Their 
visit was a bricfht event in our cheerless 
army lifp. 

In the latter part of Januarv the Brigade 
MK^. iKKNK KIRKMAN g^^j.^g^ ou SL march" towards Lebanon, 

of Princeton, I nd. wliitlier General Wood, the Division 

commander, had already moved his headquarters. It 
was the intention to concentrate the army under command 
of General George H. Thomas, then near Mill Springs, 
confronted by a large rebel force under General ZollicolTer. 
But the rebel general concluded not to wait for this concen- 
tration. He attacked the Union force in great fury, expect- 
ing to rout them before reinforcements could arrive. But 
his plan miscarried. His own army was routed, and he 
himself was killed. When the 58th reached Lebanon the 
news of the Union victory at Mill Springs made it unneces- 
sary for them to move any further in that direction. 

The body of General Zollicofler in an ambulance passed 
by the 58th camp, soon after our arrix-al in Lebanon. The 
remains were being taken to the dead general's late home in 
Nashville for interment. 

The Regiment remained in the vicinity of Lebanon for 
several weeks. The hard marching and exposure to the in- 
clement weather began to tell on the boys. The hos- 
pitals were filled with sick', and many deaths occurred. 
About the middle of February marching orders were again 
received. The objective point now was Bowling Green, 
then a rebel stronghold, under command of General Buckner. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REUIMENT. 39 

The march from Lebanon to Mumfordsville was by rail. 
The Regiment was loaded in box cars like cattle, onl}^ each 
car was made to contain more men than is the usual capacit}- 
for cattle. It was not the most comfortable condition of 
things that the soldiers enjoyed in that night ride from Leb- 
anon to Green River, but it was better than "hoofing it." 

At Mumfordsville the Reo-iment halted while the rest of 
the Brigade came up. At this place the 58th was paid off, 
receiving pay for the first three months' service. A large 
part of the money received here was gold and silver and it 
was the last mone}'' of that kind we saw during the service. 
But the new "greenbacks" were a very acceptable substitute. 
We waited here for a few days while the rest of the army, 
then under command of General D. C. Buell, was concen- 
trating. While halting here the battle of Fort Donelson was 
fought, resulting in a great victory for the Union forces 
under General Grant. Immediately after this the rebels 
evacuated Bowling Green, retreating through Nashville 
towards the Tennessee river. This left the country clear in 
front of General Buell's army and he pressed forward after 
the retreating rebels. 

The 58th moved forward with the rest of the army through 
Bowling Green on toward Nashville, making some very 
hard marches bv the wa}^ One of the most severe, and as 
it proved the most unnecessary march, that the Regiment 
made during all its service, was on the day preceding their 
arrival at Edgefield Junction, near Nashville. It was about 
noon of that day that the Brigade Commander received an 
order from General Wood to camp at Edgefield Junction, 
ten miles from Nashville. As usual with militar}^ orders it 
was enclosed in a large envelope, directed to the Brigade 
Commander. On the back of the envelope, for the guid- 
ance of the orderly who carried the orders, was written 
"make five miles an hour." As the orderly was mounted 
this would not be a very extraordinary speed. But the 
Commander of the Brigade construed the direction to apply 
to his men who were afoot, which would make a pretty 



4-0 CHAl'LALN IUCtHT'S HISTUKV OF THE 

livel}- gait, especially for men who were already foot sore 
and weary from their long march. But the Colonel was 
disposed to obey orders as he understood them, and his 
understanding was that the Regiment under his command 
was to move towards the designated camping ground, 
which was lifteen miles away, at the rate of live miles an 
hour, and so the order was giyen for a forced march for that 
distance. The order was executed with very indifferent 
success. For a short time the belief that there was some 
serious emergency ahead inspired the men to strain every 
nerve to reach the emergency' on time. But after a few 
miles of exertion physical strength and enthusiasm were 
about exhausted. In spite of strict orders the men were 
dropping out of the ranks by the score and falling by the 
roadside utterly worn out. After a while the Colonel was 
convinced of the physical impossibility of carrying out his 
construction of the order, and he was compelled to adopt a 
more moderate gait. A part of the Brigade reached the 
camp in proper shape and in ample time ; the larger part 
came in by details during- the next twenty-four hours. 
When the foolish blunder of the Commander was fully un- 
derstood there were some deep dyed imprecations bestowed 
upon him b}' officers and men. 

This was a ver}^ beautiful camping place, situated in a fine 
forest covered with blue grass. There was a disposition to 
forgive and forget some of the privations and inconveniences 
of the past, in view of the present surroundings. At this 
place the regimental band left. They iiad followed the 
Regiment, or rather had gone in front of it, from Camp 
Gibson, but there had been some uncertainty on the part of 
the government as to whether bands were really needed in 
the army. At any rate they had not yet received any official 
standing, and there was nothing for the bands to do but to 
return home. 

On tlie 13th of March the Regiment marched again to- 
ward Nashville. They found that many other Regiments had 
preceded them, the rebels having evacuated the place with- 



FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA REtilMENT. 41 

out any attempt at defense. The rebels had destroyed the 
fine suspension bridt^e across the Cumberland river before 
leaving, which seemed a very foolish and wanton destruction 
of their own property. It could not hinder the advancement 
ol the Union army to an}- great extent, as the stream was nar- 
row and a temporary bridge was easily constructed. 

The 58th Regiment, and the Brigade of which it was a 
part, marched through the city and went into camp on the 
Nolensville pike about two miles south of the city, where they 
remained for about two weeks. While here some changes 
were made in the Brigade organization. The 58th Indiana 
and the 15th Indiana exchanged places, which placed the 58th 
in a Brigade composed of the 26th Ohio, 13th Michigan, 17th 
Indiana and the 8th Indiana Battery. A few days afterward 
the 3d Kentucky was substituted for the 13th Michigan. The 
Brigade thus constituted was designated as the 15th Brigade, 
and was commanded by Colonel Hascall, of the 17th Indi- 
ana. The Division to which it belonged was known as the 
6th Division, commanded by Brigadier General T. J. Wood. 

Rev. John J. Hight, the recently appointed Chaplain, 
joined the Regiment at this camp. The story of our Regi- 
mental affairs will be suspended at this point while the new 
Chaplain relates a little of his personal experience and 
explains how he became connected with the Regiment. 




CHAPTER III. 



Personal Experiences — How a Local Methodist 
Preacher Became an Army Chaplain — Difficul- 
ties AND Discouragements in Getting Started — 
Observations by the Way — Arrival at Nashville 
— At the Regimentai> Camp — A Cold and Cheer- 
less Reception — An Unfavorable Impression of 
Camp Diet and Arrangements for Sleeping. 



IT might be interesting to the readers to know how I came 
to tind a place as Chaplain in the army. Whether the 
reader is interested or not, the process of my evolution from 
an itinerant Methodist preacher to an army Chaplain is an in- 
teresting event in my history, and I will ask the indulgence 
of such readers as may not be interested while I relate it 
briefl}^. 

From my earliest recollection I had cherished a desire to 
see more of the country than comes within the range of 
vision of an ordinary itinerant preacher, but the proverbial 
poverty that pertains to my class was always an obstacle in 
the way of my ambition. When the war broke out and 
volunteers were wanted to put down the rebellion it seemed 
to me my opportunity had come. Here was a chance to 
travel at the expense of the government and at the same 
time perform the duty of a patriot. I was at once filled 
with a desire to go and do my part as my forefathers had 
done in their day. l>ut it did not seem consistent for a 
preacher to enter the fighting department of the arm}-. The 
weapons of our warfare are not carnal, vou know. Besides, 
I was not a very combative man by nature, but was rather 



FTP'TY-EIUHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 



43 



inclined to timidit}' of disposition. But when it was an- 
novinced that the volunteer Regiments were to have Chap- 
lains it occurred to me that this would be more in the line of 
my disposition and in harmon}' with my profession. And 
when the suggestion was made to me b}- some of my friends 
that I ought to seek a position as arm}^ Chaplain I fullv 
made up my mind to do so. When Thomas Johnson was 
recruiting a Company for what was afterward the 24th In- 
diana, I told him that T would be glad to go with them as 
Chaplain. He seemed to be heartily in favor of the idea, 
so I was not at all surprised to hear from him by a telegram 
a few days after reaching the rendezvous of the Regiment 
at \ incennes. He wired, "It is all right, come on." This 
was on Saturday, and I very foolishly took the lirst train for 
Vincennes. But when I arrived at the camp I was surprised 
to find a number of other applicants for the place. I 
found that there were a number of preachers who were as 

patriotic as myself, so I gave it 
up. I went into the city and 
preached on Sabbath for my Meth- 
odist Brother, Stallard. On Mon- 
day I returned home with regrets 
that I had ever started on the trip. 
A short time after this my friend. 
Dr. Pennington, urged me to write 
to Colonel Baker, with whom I 
was acquainted, and who was or- 
ganizing the First Indiana Cavalry 
at Evansville. I did so but never received any reply. I 
have always passed Colonel Baker since as though I was not 
acquainted with him. Have said I would not vote for him 
if he is ever a candidate for office, but may reconsider that. 
During the remainder of the summer of 1861 I made no 
further effort to go to war, feeling very much discouraged in 
my efforts thus far. About the ist of October I left Prince- 
ton and took charge of Simpson Chapel, Greencastle. Soon 
after this the 58th was organized. Colonel Andrew Lewis, 




MRS. JOHN J. IIIGHT. 



4.J- CHAl'LALN HK^HTS HISTORY OK THE 

the Commander of the Regiment, urged me to put in appli- 
cation for Chaplaincy of this Regiment, which I did. Here 
the matter ended so far as I was concerned. I heard a short 
time after this that the Regiment had gone to the front and 
hearing nothing more about my application I presumed that 
they were either supplied with a Chaplain or else did not 
desire one. The matter had almost passed from my mind 
until one day in the following March I was surprised to re- 
ceive a letter, postmarked Bowling Green, K3^, containing 
a brief announcement of m}^ election as Chaplain of the 
58th Indiana. The appointment, signed bv Lieut. -Colonel 
George P. Buell, commanding the Regiment, was enclosed. 
This was ver}^ gratifying so far as it went, but I was now so 
situated that I could not so readily get the consent of m}^ 
mind to accept the appointment. This was just after the fall 
of Fort Donelson and it was the expectation of many that 
the war would soon be over. I was influenced b^' this opin- 
ion and questioned whether the war would last long enough 
to justify me in going. We all had better information on 
this point later on. 

However, after much debating I made up mv mind to ac- 
cept the appointment. I decided I would go to the army 
even if it was for a short time. I resolved to break oft' mv 
pleasant associations at Greencastle and see what I could do 
for the spiritual welfare of the soldiers. Immediately I be- 
gan preparations to join my Regiment. I went to New 
Albany, March i6th, where I ordered a Chaplain's uniform 
and purchased other necessary equipments. I labored undiM- 
the impression that it was very important that mv arrival at 
the seat of war should not be di'layed and so I emploved 
two tailors to make my suit. I purchased a big valise and 
tilled it full of clothing, besides had several good sized 
bundles of blankets, etc. It was the custom of officers to 
be thus provided at that time, but the custom changed some- 
what when the arm}^ got down to business. Finallv, mv 
preparations were completed and dressed in my militarv suit 
T crossed over to Louisville. I tramped around that citv for 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 45 

some time seeking transportation and information of various 
kinds. After much labor I procured the former but found a 
very limited supply of the latter. At the time I ascribed 
this to the surliness of the officials, but I have since dis- 
covered that they did not know anything and simply masked 
their ignorance under the cover of ill-manners. 

By this time the 58th had gone with the rest of the army 
from Bowling Green to Nashville. The railroad was not yet 
opened so I took passage on a boat for Nashville. My trip 
vs^as without much incident worthy of note. I did not make 
the acquaintance of many of the passengers. I remember a 
Lieut. -Colonel Wheat, a big man of some Kentucky Regi- 
ment. Even at that early period of the war he was dissatisfied 
because he was not promoted to a Colonel. I never heard of 
him afterward, and presume he did all his lighting early in 
the struggle. I remember also that Colonel Whittaker was 
one of our passengers. He was a famous Kentuckian and a 
fighter. He soon became a Brigadier and got his name in 
the newspapers. 

At Fort Donelson we were permitted to land and view the 
scene of the recent battle. This was about a month after the 
battle and the evidences of the conflict were plainly visible. 
It was m}' first sight of a real battle field and it made a deep 
impression. 

It was Sunday morning, March 23, when we came in 
sight of Nashville. The boat landed at the foot of Broad- 
way. On inquiry I learned that my Regiment was camped 
about three miles south of the cit}^ and I engaged a carriage 
to take me out. Arriving at the picket post I learned that I 
was minus one essential thing — a pass. I explained as 
best I could and the officer, seeing my greenness and that 
my intentions were good, permitted me to pass. Soon I was 
at the gate of the woods pasture in which the 58th was 
encamped. In a few minutes I was with the Regiment with 
whose fortunes I was destined to be associated for some time. 

It was a cold raw March day and the surroundings were 
to me everything else but cheerful. It was a new experience 



46 CHAPLAIN HKtHT'S HISTOKY OF THE 

and I felt the embarrasment of the situation greatly. As I 
entered the camp the tirst man to meet me and extend the 
hand of greeting was Lieutenant Wm. Davis. He was fol- 
lowed by several old acquaintances. Some, however, while 
they seemed glad to see me, yet had a distrust of my abilit}^ 
to till the place of Chaplain. I could not blame them, since 
I was filled with the same distrust of m^-selt. Colonel H. 
M. Carr, who was then in command of the Regiment, 
greeted me in a cordial sort of. way, but it was plain that, in 
the person of the new Chaplain, he had a regimental equip- 
ment that he was at a loss to know what to do with. He 
said to me afterwards that mv coming rather took him b}" 
surprise, that he was not expecting me and therefore was 
unprepared to properly receive me. I think, however, his 
action was due to a feeling of general distrust of army 
Chaplains that was then so prevalent in the arm v. This 
feeling was shared by nearlv all the officers, especialh'. on 
account of the alleged dereliction of some Chaplains. But 
I think there was less real cause for it than manv imagined, 
which opinion I hope to establish before I complete this 
history. 

I did not preach on this, the first Sabbath of my presence 
with the Regiment, but contented mvself in visiting friends 
in camp and getting mvself settled. Bv the invitation of 
Major J. T. Embree I spread my cot in his tent. Dr. W. 
W. Blair very kindly invited me to mess with him for the 
present, both of which invitations I gladl}'" accepted. The 
fare was crackers, bacon and coffee. I did not relish this 
very much but the Doctor told me I "would come down to 
it," and he was right. My first niglit in camp was not 
passed in sleep. It was too cold and niv new cot was not 
the sort of bed I had been accustomed to. I was cold 
underneath and on each side, notwithstanding the two heavy 
blankets that were on top. It was a miserable niglit, but it 
came to an end at last. During the week, with the assist- 
ance of some friends I procured a tent and fixed up verv 
comfortable quarters. 



FIFTY-EKIHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 



47 



We had several sick in the hospital at Nashville and in 
camp. I visited these and extended mv acquaintance by 
visiting through the Regiment as opportunity offered, and 
in a few days began to feel more at home. I found many 
men whom I had met in other days, and received from 
them assurance of sympathy and co-operation in m^• work 
for the spiritual interests of the Regiment. 

And now, as I am here and established as a part of the 
equipment of the 58th, I may as well drop this narration of 
my personal experiences and give more attention to the 
movements and incidents pertaining to the Regiment with 
which mv lot has been cast. 




CHAPTER IV. 



Forward Movement — Ox the Way to Savannah — 
Some of the Officers in Command — Baggage and 
Equipments — Through Franklin — Columbia — 
Some Fine Plantations — Grapevine News — Inci- 
dents OF the March — Weary and Sick Soldiers — 
Burial by the Wayside — Sound of Battle — Hur- 
rying TO the Front — Pittsburg Landing. 



DURING the latter part of March active preparations 
were being made for a forward movement. Our men 
were provided with new clothing and new equipments. The 
winter was now over and heaw clothing would not be 
needed, so the soldier relieved himself of this incumbrance 
by sending his surplus clothing home by express. The 
hard marching of the previous winter had told severely on 
the men and at this time there were manv in our Regiment 
who were unfit for duty. These had to be sent to the general 
hospital. This was the last we saw of many of them. 
Some of them were discharged, others died. Among those 
who answered the last roll call at this place was Lieutenant 
Wm. Overlin, a bright, promising young officer of Company 
F. Another was Elias Bigham, private of Company A. 
These, with the others, who were called to give up their 
lives before they had mingled in "battle's deadly array," 
were none the less martyrs to liberty's cause because of their 
early sacrifice. Many of the brightest and bravest perished 
before we reached the noontide of our campaign. 

Early on Saturday morning, March 29th, our tents were 
struck and thc^ Sixth Division began its forward movement, 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 49 

the five other Divisions of General BuelFs army having 
preceded us. While the Regiments of our Brigade and 
Division are slowly forming in column, preparing to move 
out toward Nashville, we will improve the opportunity to give 
a few sketches of some of our officers. Mention has already 
been made of General T. J. Wood, Commander of the 
Division, and we will have occasion to mention him again. 
Colonel Milo S. Hascall, of the 17th Indiana, commanding 
our Brigade, is, in personal appearance, tall and slender, with 
shoulders slightly inclined to be stooped. His voice is 
shrill, his eye restless and piercing. He is quick in temper 
and often hast}^ in speech. But withal he is a talented and 
thoroughly trained military man. He is a thorough disci- 
plinarian and a terror to evil doers. He was promoted to 
Brigadier General a short time after taking command of our 
Brigade. 

Colonel E. T. Fyfte, of the 26th Ohio, is a man past the 
meridian of life but he has a heart as young as any boy in 
the army. He has seen a good deal of militar}^ service and 
is a very popular and competent commander. He has a 
remarkably plain and unostentatious manner and always has 
a word of encouragement and sympathy for his soldiers. 

Colonel Thomas E. Bramlette, of the 3d Kentucky, has a 
tall commanding form and the manner of an accomplished 
gentleman. He is possessed of a brilliant mind and is 
among the most prominent and influential of the Union men 
of Kentucky. This was evidenced by the fact that he was 
called from the field to serve as governor of his state within 
a year from this time. 

Colonel Henry M. Carr, of our own Regiment, in ability 
and personal appearance, compares favorably with any of 
the officers. He is a young man of more than ordinary 
personal attractions. He is warm in his friendship and 
pleasant and sociable in his demeanor. His form is tall and 
erect and his voice is strong and clear. 

But now the bugle is sounding "fall in," and soon the 
order is given to move forward. The entire Division is 



50 CHAPLAIN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

moving, the 15th Brigade in tiie rear. We march into 
Nashville and then out the Franklin pike, moving steadily 
along until we had made the distance of 13 miles and 
went into camp. The men were weary enough by this time 
and were anxious to halt. It was a late hour when all the 
wagon train reached camp. This train was composed of 
ammunition supply and headquarter wagons, and thirteen 
wagons to each Regiment. The Regimental wagons were 
loaded with two wall tents and five Sibley tents for each 
Company, making seventv large tents for the ten Companies 
Then the iield and staff officers, commissioned and non- 
commissioned, each had a tent. Then there were the hos- 
pital, commissarv and cook tents. More than this each 
officer had a cot and some had huge trunks and some had 
stoves, to say nothing of the mess boxes, tables, chairs and 
man}^ other articles. The wagons were simplv loaded down 
with superfluous baggage and camp equipments and this 
immense train had to move slowly. 

On the morning of our second day's march we were called 
early and soon were on the wav. The day was bright and 
pleasant ; our journev was through a fme agricultural coun- 
try. It was the Sabbath and we made a distance of 13 miles 
to-day. The roadsides were lined with negroes in their best 
attire eagerly watching the "Yankees" pass. The large 
plantations on either side of the road were uninjured bv the 
troops that had gone before us, as it was strictlv against 
orders to molest any private propert}^ We found nearlv all 
the people, white and black, at home. This was especially 
the case at Franklin, through which we passed on the morn- 
ing of the 31st. We went through this town with colors 
flying, lines dressed, and with a great show of pom]-). We 
had an idea then that the rebellion was to be put down by 
this sort of display and by kindly protecting the property 
and chattels of the rebels. We passed General Thomas' 
Division at this place and marched 15 miles bevond. 

Four o'clock Tuesday morning, April ist, found our 
Division again in motion. We crossed Duck river on a pon- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 51 

toon bridge and passed on through Cokimbia, a town some- 
what old and dihipidated. After a ten mile march we 
camped. During the 14 mile march of the next day we 
passed through Mt. Pleasant. We also passed over some of 
the most charming country during these two days that we 
had yet seen. Perhaps the loveliest spot along the entire 
route was near the residence of the rebel General Pillow, and 
that of another rebel, General Polk, just across the pike. 
In trout of each of these residences is a large and magnifi- 
cent park. A neat little church is near. Our army care- 
fully guarded these residences and surroundings, although 
their owners had left them to fight against our country. 
The 200 negro slaves of General Polk were not molested. 
Thev were left to cultivate the fields and raise supplies for 
the rebel army and the rebel women and children at home. 

Thus far the rank and file of the army had no definite 
idea of where we were going. The general supposition 
was that we would strike the Tennesse river about Florence, 
unite with Grant and move on south in pursuit of the fleeing 
rebels. It was the fear of many of us that it would be im- 
possible to overtake them and get them to stand for an en- 
gagement, and that the war would end without us being 
permitted to smell gunpowder. But our fears and theories 
were both groundless. We were not going to Florence, 
and the rebels were not fleeing, at least not in the hither- 
ward direction as we thought. 

Our mail communications were now severed and we did 
not have access to newspapers, but let no one imagine that 
an army is destitute of news because mail communication is 
cut ofl'. Under such circumstances there is more news than 
when papers are received daily. We heard very much of 
that sort of news about this time. It was reported, for in- 
stance, that a rebel fleet had come up from Memphis and 
destroyed all our gunboats, and was now moving on Louis- 
ville and Cincinnati. This report was said to have come 
directly from headquarters and was sincerely believed by 
many. Some supposed that we would be compelled to fall 



52 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

back to the Ohio river as our supplies would be cut oft\ 
This is only a sample of the absurd stories started and cir- 
culated. They were called "■grapevine dispatches," and 




LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOSEPH MOORE* 

however improbable and absurd they might be tliere was 
always some one to believe in them. 

* After leaving the army, Lieutenant-Colonel Moore removed to Mis- 
souri, where he engaged in mercantile business for several years. Then he 
returned to Indianapolis and established a claim and pension agency, which 
he conducted quite successfully for about twenty years. He died at his home 
in that city, May 7, 1894, aged 65 years, from the eftects of disease contracted 
in the service. 



FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 58 

The next da3^ Thursday, April 2, we marched fourteen 
miles. We were now headed in the direction of 
Savannah, on the Tennessee river. This much in regard to 
our destination was now apparent. The day was warm, the 
roads were dusty, many of the men were pale and weak 
from the effects of the march. They had not yet become 
hardened to this service, nor had they yet learned discretion 
in the matter of their equipments for a march. Some of 
the loads which the pale, sickl}^ men were tr^dng to carry 
were enough to kill a horse. Not only were their knapsacks 
tilled to the fullest capacity with extra clothing, but many of 
them were lugging along trophies of various kinds, such as 
rebel bowie knives, canister-shot, and other things. They 
had the impression that the war would soon be over and 
they wanted something in the way of a souvenir to take 
home with them. 

But the useless equipments of the men was not the only 
item in the wa}^ of foolish indiscretion that contributed to 
their weary and fatigued condition. A large part was due 
to absurdities practiced by the commanding officers in camp 
and on the march. For instance, reveille would be sounded 
long before daylight each morning, and the tents would be 
struck before the proper time. The men were compelled to 
eat a hurried breakfast and get into line. Then they would 
have to "dress up" to the right, and move about here and 
there until time for the column to move out on the day's 
march. By that time the men would be already weary and 
ready to lie down. This kind of exercise was known by 
the privates as "knapsack drill," and was heartil}^ detested 
by them. Then, on the march there were many foolish and 
absurd practices that added to the weariness and vexation 
of the troops. It was the custom for the Regimental Com- 
mander to ride pompously on his horse at the head of his 
Regiment while the men on foot crowded on his horse's 
heels like a herd of cattle. When a bridge or other obstruc- 
tion was to be crossed the men invariably ran after getting 
over until they regained their place at the heels of the 



54. CHAPLAIN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THP^ 

Colonel's horse. On such occasions the newly fledged 
officers would cry out, "double quick," "close up," close 
up," and the men would attempt to obey the orders. Noth- 
ing was gained by such orders. It only served to weary 
the men. 

In those days the greatest man of rank was the officer of 
the guard. He wore a blood red sash and a bloodier ex- 
pression in his countenance. He was in command of a 
detail of men with guns and bayonets who marched in the 
rear of the Regiment with orders to keep all the men in 
ranks and especially to permit no one to fall back without a 
surgeon's certificate. This officer of the guard was expected 
to execute all the disagreeable orders of the General or 
Colonel, when those officers desired to escape the odium of 
such orders themselves. And he was expected to execute 
these orders without mercy or discretion. No one was 
really murdered but there was much threatening and swear- 
ing that it would be done. When a poor fellow fell by the 
wayside thoroughly exhausted, the guard would pounce upon 
him, and, with a threatening flourish of bayonet, order him 
to his Company, while the officer of the guard would em- 
phasize and embellish the order with such choice impreca- 
tions as he might have in stock. Sometimes the surgeon 
would excuse the worn out soldier, which gave him the 
privilege of riding in the ambulance. But, if that vehicle 
is already full, which was generall}^ the case, the soldier 
might rest by the wayside and come on at his leisure, or, if 
he was too far gone, he might die in the fence corner. It 
was an actual fact that some did thus die on this march and 
were found and buried by succeeding Regiments. But this 
was soldiering ; it was 

"From f^rave to gay, from lively' to severe." 

April 4th our Brigade, except the 17th Indiana and 26th 
Ohio, remained in camp. These two Regiments went out 
in the direction of Lawrenceburg after some rebel cavalry. 
They succeeded in capturing some bacon, but the cavalry- 
men were too fleet for them. 



FIFTY-EKjHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 55 

Just at this time the poHcy in reference to negro slaves 
was undergoing a change in the army. 

It had been customary to use the soldiers to send fugitive 
slaves to their rebel masters. But Congress had recently 
added to the articles of war a prohibition of this. This new 
article was exceedingly distasteful to many of the higher 
officers, who were in bondage, body and soul, to the negro 
drivers. They could not now use military force to send 
back runaway negroes. But all officers and men were pro- 
hibited from interfering with these old Lagrees. They might 
often be seen prowling about our camps, or moving amongst 
our columns, hunting for their missing chattels. By our 
protection of rebels and rebel property we were doing as 
much to uphold rebellion as we were doing to put it down 
by fighting. The rebels could have successfully withstood 
us for ten generations had this policy been maintained. 

On the 5th the march was continued through a country of 
medium fertility. We had rain yesterday and to-day. The 
dust has been succeeded by mud. We marched seventeen 
miles. About this time I saw for the first time a soldier 
buried. He had died in a camp from which the troops had 
moved. The surgeon in charge sent out, as our column was 
passing, for a detail of men and a Chaplain. I went and 
found Chaplain Gunn, of the 3d Kentucky, there. A rude 
box was made and the poor fellow placed in it. He was 
borne to a spot just by the roadside where a grave had been 
dug. While a martial band played a dirge his remains were 
lowered. Chaplain Gunn made a few remarks and offered 
up a prayer. The grave was filled and we passed on. We 
knew not his name or histor}^. Bvit doubtless, to some one 
far away, this was the saddest event of the whole war. 

Sunday morning, the 6th of April, we marched at 5 
o'clock. Our way lay through the hills. The country was 
barren and the people poor. But for the first time since 
leaving Nashville we saw evidences of genuine loyalty. 
The people hung out the star spangled banner and 
greeted us with cheers. Some of them had come many 



56 CHAPLAIN HIUHT'iS HISTOKY OK THE 

miles to hail the soldiers of the Union. The love of liberty 
like Christianity flourishes most amongst the poor. The 
people soon began to report to us that they could hear 
cannonading. By going away from the column I could 
distinctly note the sound. Some were unbelieving at first. 
But the reports grew more and more distinct until they 
could be heard above the noise of the marching arm}^. 
These were the first notes of genuine war that ever saluted 
the ears of the men of the 58th Indiana. Deeper, louder 
grew the muttering sounds of battle from the plains far away 
beyond the Tennessee. Thev were in strange contrast with 
the quiet of that lovel}^ Sabbath dav, and told too plainh^ that 
our countr}^ once peaceful and united, was now distracted b}^ 
civil war. The country people unaccustomed to such sights 
and sounds came forth from their homes amongst the hills 
and sat b}^ the wayside, watching the endless column filing 
by and listening to the sound of distant battle. The pace 
was quickened. Men pressed forward with eagerness. 
Notwithstanding our great distance from the battle rumors 
soon began to fly amongst us. They came more rapidly 
than if borne by winged Mercury. When, afterwards, we 
ascertained the exact facts of the battle we found that many 
of these rumors were tme. By what means did the}^ come? 
We were nearly fift}?^ miles from the battlefield. No courier 
had yet reached us. There were no electric wires. But the 
front of Buell's army was even now reaching the Tennessee, 
at Savannah, and formed a grand telegraphic line of human 
minds forty miles long ! Back through this living line, 
over hills, valleys and streams, came the news of battle dis- 
torted and exaggerated, but with a vein of truth running 
through it all. By this means we learned that the rebels 
had made the attack. "They will be defeated because they 
began the battle on Sabbath," is the sentiment boldh' avowed 
by imndreds of soldiers. The memorv of Bull Run was 
yet fresh in the minds of all. A deep and correct convic- 
tion prevailed that the commands of God could not be trifled 
with. It was an almost universal sentiment in the armv at 



FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA RE^TMENT. 57 

that time that that General who commenced a battle on Sab- 
bath was sure of defeat. Another source of confidence was 
the fact that Buell's arm}' would begin to reach Grant at 
least by this evening. He certainly could hold out until 
this should happen. 

Our Brigade was the rear of the army except Thomas' 
Division. Under the stimulant of exciting events men 
became animated. Their minds were filled with bus}- 
thoughts. There was more than ordinary hilarity and con- 
versation in the ranks. The onl}^ fear expressed was that 
the battle would be over before we got there. Some were 
even dispirited bv this thought. All put forward their best 
energies. Though the way was rough we made twenty 
miles or more before night came upon us. We went into 
camp. Occasional guns were fired during the night, and a 
heavy rain fell. 

Monday morning, April 7, the column moved forward at 
3 o'clock. The events of this day were similar to those of 
yesterday. The country was rougher and the roads very 
bad. Great numbers of people flocked to the roadside. 
Our ears were early saluted b}^ the sound of the battle 
renewed. The cannonading came with startling distinct- 
ness. We could now begin to distinguish between the dis- 
charge of single guns and entire batteries. We learn that 
our men are sore pressed and we receive orders to quicken 
our pace. The way in front is blocked up b}^ the trains of 
preceding Divisions. The road is so bad that they cannot 
move rapidly. We soon began to pass them. Some of 
these wagons were moving along the road and some were 
across it. Some were on the right and some were on the 
left. Some were moving out of the way and some were 
stuck deep in the mud. Some were hung against trees and 
some were broken down. Some were parked and others 
tr^nng to park. There were guards with tliiMii and a few 
skulkers, who had no relish for "that noise." Our own 
trains had been left far in the rear by this time. It was now 
past noon. The order came to draw ten days' rations from 



58 



CHAPLAIN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



any train we came to and press on. The men were not pre- 
pared to take care of so many rations. The officers had no 
way at all to take this supply along. The lives almost of 
men and officers were bound up in the baggage trains. So 
many wagons are only a nuisance. We drew bacon, hard 
bread, coffee and sugar from General Thomas' supply train, 
and then hurried on. 

Our entire march from Nashville, with the exception of 
one day, might be called a forced march. Many a noble 
soldier whose strength had been exhausted by the winter 

campaign, crushed almost 
to the earth by his heavy 
load, and wearied almost 
to death by the long 
march, had his sunken 
eye rekindled and his 
pallid countenance reani- 
mated b}^ the guns that 
called to the field of 
battle. There was many 
a sore conflict that day 
between the weakness of 
the flesh and the willing- 
ness of the spirit. Many 
a one said to himself: 
"I must sink down here 
for I can go no farther I" 
Then the thought woidd 
come rushing into his 
mind : "Shall I fail just when my coimtry needs me? Shall I 
sink down now when reproaches may be cast on my courage?' 
Stung by this thought lie collects all his little remaining 




C. WIIITINC;, CAPTAIN CO. 



* Served as orderly of Company A from organization. Was Adjutant 
of the Regiment from June, 1862, to June, 1864. After the close of the war 
he engaged in farming near Francisco. Was Treasurer of Gibson county from 
1S69 to 1S71. Is now County Assessor and resides in Princeton. Me is 
President of the sSth Indiana Regimental Association and a member of this 
Publishinii Committee. 



PIFTY-EieHTH INDIANA RJ]GIMENT. 59 

strength and moves on. They who spend their lives amid 
the pursuits of peace can never comprehend the dire con- 
flict which beset the soldier's pathway. But he is repaid if 
he but hears of victory in a dying hour, or living, sees the 
principles for which he fought triumphant ! About 4 p. m. 
the sound of battle died away. Rumors flew thick and fast. 
Amongst these the prevailing ones were "Beauregard is 
killed, or wounded, and the rebels are defeated." Johnson 
was not named in connection with the rebels. It was dark 
when we reached Savannah after a march of twenty-five 
miles. All the houses in town were full of wounded. We 
remained but a short time here and then went on board of 
the steamer yohu y. Rowc. The night was rain}^. Many 
of the men were exposed to the weather and got no rest. 
When the morning of the 8th dawned we found that our 
steamer had gone eight miles up the river, and was lying at 
Pittsburg Landing. We had passed over one hundred and 
fifty miles since leaving Nashville and were now ready to 
confront the enemy on the battlefield. 




CHAPTER V. 



On the Battlefield of Shiloh — First Impressions of 
Pittsburg Landing — Visible Effects of the 
Great Battle — Distress, Misery and Mud Every- 
where — Rumors of a Renewal of the Engagement 
— Marching to the Front over the Battle 
Ground — Evidences of the Dreadful Carnage — 
Resting on Arms, Waiting for the Enemy — 
Review of the Two Days' Battle and the Events 
Preceding — Some Critical Comments on the Con- 
duct OF Commanding Officers. 



THE morning of April 8th dawned gloomv after a night 
of rain. The sky was overcast b}' clouds and these 
were sifting a misting shower upon the earth. Only a few 
feet above the water there was a level bottom, about one 
hundred feet up and down the stream and about fifty feet 
wide. Rising all around this were graduall}' sloping sides 
to the hight of about seventy-tive feet. Thus was formed a 
semi-amphitheater in the bluffs which here compose the 
river bank. This is Pittsburg Landing. The little bottom 
and the hillsides was a sea of mud, deep and almost impass- 
able. Just at the river's brink there were some sacks of 
forage and a few wet slippery planks. There were not 
many persons about the Landing at this early hour. There 
were a few wounded awaiting the next boat down the river. 
On the forage sacks were several dead officers wrapped in 
their blankets. Their faces were covered but their boots 
were exposed. The rain had fallen upon these dead, so 
completelv saturating their blankets and boots, that they 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. »il 

could not have looked more dreary had they been buried in 
the waters of the Tennessee. Our eyes could not penetrate 
over the bluff. No news came from the army. There was 
no sound save the tramping of men on the decks, the dash- 
ing of the waters against the hulls and an occasional reveille 
from the unseen camps. The voice of conversation was 
low. An expression of suspense and profound gloom sat 
alike upon the face of nature and the countenances of the 
untried soldiers. All minds were filled with wonder as to 
what the day would bring forth. There was a general 
expectation of battle. But many who had long coveted an 
engagement, like the old man in the fable who prayed for 
death, began now to beg to be excused. Wearied from long 
marching, sleepless nights and exposure, they thought that 
thev would prefer the battle should come at some future 
time, when the sun shines brightly and they are more happily 
circumstanced. Of nothing in all the world ma}' it more 
truly be said than of a battle : 

"Distance lends enchantmerit to the view." 
We are not left long to our observations and reflections 
here. The gang plank is thrown out and we are marched 
on shore. Plunging amidst the mud, we climb the slippery- 
hillside and pause upon the undulating plain that spreads 
far and wide from the summit. The guns were stacked and 
a short time given for breakfast. A few acres had been 
cleared here, and there had been several inferior houses. 
One of these buildings — a log hut with two rooms — was 
still standing full of wounded and completely surrounded by 
dead. The scenes about us beggared all efforts at descrip- 
tion. The mud was everywhere deep. The country was 
covered with wagons, caissons, ambulances, rations and 
ammunition, tents and hospitals, men on foot and horse, 
mingled in an interminable manner. Here and there might 
be seen a dead horse, but most of the men who had tallen 
near here were collected about the hospitals. Some had 
already been buried. Near us stood a siege gun, black and 
grim, facing to the front. A feeble effort had been made 



(i2 CHAPLAIN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

to throw up a little defensive work in tront of it, but not 
enough to protect the gunners. This was about the only 
effort at tield works on the battlefield. Everybody we met 
had a great deal to sav about the battle. They gave many 
details, and had much to tell about the good behavior of 
their own Regiment, Brigade, or Division, and about the 
cowardice of others. Meanwhile the sharp discharge of 
musketry came from the front. This was by us supposed to 
be a renewal of the battle, and was so reported by those com- 
ing from that way. We did not know at that time that the 
participants in a battle always have many exaggerated 
tales for new comers. But upon this occasion the expec- 
tation of renewed battle was general. One man, hatless 
and excited, came b}^ saying that he was just from the front 
and that the battle was commencing in great fury. 

By this time all things were in readiness. The men 
unslung their knapsacks and moved rapidly to the front. 
We had gone but a short distance until we began to see our 
dead, lying just where they fell, showing how alarmingly 
near our men had been driven to the river bank. It was 
but a short distance farther until we began to come upon the 
rebel dead, plainl}^ distinguishable by their dress. In an 
open field, through which we passed, there were great num- 
bers of men and horses sleeping their last sleep. On enter- 
ing the woods we found the timber wonderfully torn by 
musket and cannon shots. Limbs had been severed from 
the trees and many bushes had been cut in two. Tiie evi- 
dences of the dreadful carnage multiplied at each succeed- 
ing step. But blue coats disappear and gray and brown 
increase. We see many more rebels than of our own men. 
Some were sadly torn by cannon shots but most were struck 
by rifle balls. In several places they lav in heaps. But no 
time was given to us to tarry by the way. We move on, out 
through the camps captured by the rebels on Sunda}- but 
lost to them on Monday. We continue our march beyond 
the camp of General Prentiss and the point where the battle 
first began. Our Brigade here took position on a low ridge 



FIFTY-EIWHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 



63 



fronting toward the enemy. The men lay upon their arms 
during the remainder of the day. The enemy not appear- 
ing, and there being no orders to advance, the line was 
slightly changed and we went into camp. 

Several days were here spent, giving ample time for 
wandering about the battlefield and making observation. 

The ground presents a succession of hollows and ridges 
but these are not deep nor high. There are but few points 
where the ground is sufficiently rolling to hide a man when 
standing. Indeed one would come near the truth to call the 
battletield a plain. The soil is barren and uninviting to the 

,.^ husbandman. In wet 

weather in some places it 
is impassable and in all 
mir3% but the sun soon 
dries it to a hard pave- 
ment. Here and there 
might be found a log 
house surrounded by a 
few cleared acres. But 
the native forest, chief!}' 
of oak, cover the battle- 
field for miles. By this 
time the wounded had 
all been gathered into 
hospital camps, or gath- 
ered into the little homes of the poor farmers inhabiting 
these parts. Our own dead lay near the Landing, or had 
been buried. But everywhere might be seen the lifeless 
remains of the horses slain in battle. The number of these 
excited our wonder and awakened our sympathies in behalf 
of the noblest of the brute creation — man's friend in peace 
and his guiltless fellow sufferer in battle. 




DR. W. \V. BL.MU.* 



* Surgeon from the organization of the Regiment. Medical Director of 
General T. J. Wood's Division from August 9, 1862, during the remainder of 
his service in the armv. Since the war Dr. Blair has been continuously 
engaged in the practice of his profession at his home in Princeton. He is 
Treasurer of the 58th Indiana Regimental Association and a member of this 
Puhlishinij Coinmittee. 



H4. CHAPLAlxN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THP] 

Everywhere we came upon the rebel dead. Two of these 
hiy several days in our camp before means were procured 
for their burial. There were collections of dead about the 
hospitals where they had perished of their wounds. They 
were strewn through the woods and in the little fields. 
Here lies one who was endeavoring to screen himself behind 
a log, and here are several fallen by the same tree. One 
wore upon his breast a plate of iron but a grape shot had 
torn its way through and plowed its furrow of death into his 
very vitals. Some have their heads torn off or body rent 
to fragments by cannon balls, and others untouched by any 
projectile were slain by the falling branches of the forest. 
But the rifle ball had been the busiest messenger of death, 
and left by far the most victims on the field of slaughter. 
Some had expired seemingly without a struggle while others 
had plowed and beat the earth in their d3'ing agony. Some 
had crawled about as we could trace them by their blood, in 
search of help or a sup of water, but found no relief until 
death kindly put an end to their suffering. The dead were 
clad in all styles of dress, generally some kind of brown or 
gray roughly made, with an e3^e to military appearance. 
But many were clothed in citizen apparel, generally without 
much regard to comfort or fashion. 

"On tlie battle ground, at the break of day, 

Two lifeless soldiers lav; 
One face looked pitiful with ^'earning pain, 

As one who prajs in vain; 
The other wore a look divinely blest, 

And from the pulseless breast. 
The picture of a lady and a child 

Looked up to him and smiled!" 

He must be a monster, indeed, who could cherish enmilN' 
amid such scenes as these. The light of many a Soutliern 
houseliold lies extinguished. The heir of wealth and honor 
lies side b}- side bv the child of penur^'. Love's young 
dreams are here forgotten, for the gallant lover sleeps a 
dreamless sleep. Bright anticipations- of future happiness 
here went down amid the battle's storm. O, how many 



FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. H5 

fond hopes of parents, of sisters and of lovers were blasted 
on these dreadful battle days ! The revolving earth rolls 
onward in its course, busy events crowd each other on the 
stage of action, and times and seasons change, but the heart 
wounds received by some when the news of death's sad 
work came from Shiloh shall never be healed, and tears shall 
spring an everlasting fountain in the sorrowing soul. 

Some reflections on the battle of Shiloh, part of which 
occurred at this time and part came up as the result of after 
experience, may not be out of place here. When the smoke 
of battle has passed away it is the privilege of the humblest 
soldier to criticise the proudest General, and his criticisms 
are to be measured not b}^ his rank but by their worth. 
There were some officers in the army who desired their men 
not to think but look upon their superiors as the embodi- 
ment of wisdom, incapable of error. But there are few 
Americans who are willing to sink themselves to the level of 
the thoughtless herds, which have often followed the military 
chiefs of the Old World. 

One question which agitated the public mind just after 
this engagement, was whether or not General Grant was 
drvmk when the battle began. This was generally believed at 
the time, both in the army and out of it. But after the tan- 
ner bov became Lieutenant-General it was stoutly denied 
from many quarters. A gentleman of intelligence and truth 
who came up from Savannah on the same boat, says that he 
was not intoxicated. But being at the time lame, had to be 
helped on his horse, when he plunged away through the 
quicksand where his staff did not dare to ride. Hence, per- 
haps, the origin of the story. But, if it is true that there was 
no drunkenness on the part of the commanding General, 
there certainly was mismanagement somewhere. The 
camps were arranged about Pittsburg Landing with but 
little order. There was no provision made for an attack. 
No works were constructed. No batteries were planted. 
No obstructions were placed to entangle the enemy in his 
advance. The roads from Corinth, over which the enemy 



H() CHAPLAIN HWHT'« HISTUKY OF THE 

advanced, are usually terrible at this season of the year. 
He must have approached cautiously and our commanders 
were either ignorant of his coming, or at least made no 
preparations for it, and kept the matter to themselves. 
General Grant was absent when the battle began. Our 
pickets were svnprised and quickly driven in. The men in 
some of the Regiments did not have time to form, but were 
killed or captured in their camps, or driven in confusion 
towards the rear. Amongst these troops there was not the 
slightest prevailing rumor of probable battle. There was no 
standing in line of battle, as we did afterwards when the 
enemy was known not to be near. Our men rallied as well 
as they could and those troops, not assaulted by the enemy's 
first charge, formed and all fought bravely. But such was 
the want of preparations on our part that our men were 
driven from many of their camps and almost to the river. 
If our men had been posted in a regular line of battle, 
behind substantial works, with a connected line of pickets 
thrown out in front, and, had a sharp lookout been kept up, 
the}^ never would have been moved. But this lesson was 
not learned until later in the war. There are some things 
which may be learned at West Point — other things are 
learned from the school of experience. 

General Lewis Wallace was at Crump's Landing, onl}^ a 
few miles down the river, when the battle began, but owing 
to a mistake in the roads he did not reach the battlefield 
until the first day's fight was over. General Buell cannot 
be justly criticised for delay. He could not certainly be 
expected to know that the rebels would be there on that 
particular Sunday morning, when the officers on the ground 
knew nothing about it. The march from Nashville was as 
rajfid as raw troops could possibly have made. If it had 
not been for the dr}^ weather during most of the march, it 
would not have been completed in time to have taken any 
part in the engagement. In the light of later events of the 
war, it seems strange to us that our army made no fortifica- 
tion even after being driven all day. 



FIFTY-EmHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. »)7 

But it is universally and justly conceded that the arrange- 
ments of our troops for Monday's fight were splendid. All 
the movements are said to have been executed in the same 
manner. The enemy were steadily driven back from the 
river — back through the camps captured on the day before ; 
back beyond the first point of attack. They lost the field, 
the dead and many of the wounded. But why were our 
people so easil}' satisfied? It was a golden moment such as 
is seldom given to an army. The copious rains fallen since 
the commencement of the battle had rendered the roads so 
horrible that the enemy were two weeks in getting back to 
Corinth. They were encumbered with trains, guns and 
wounded. We might at least have pressed them a few days. 
Certain it is that manv guns and prisoners might have been 
captured. Perhaps we might have gone straight forward, 
changing our base in a few days to Hamburg Landing, 
where the soil is more firm and from whence the roads to 
Corinth are better. The enemy's cavalry, which left the 
main army at this time, and soon learned to relish daring 
raids, might have been detained south of the Tennessee. 
The army, that afterward proudly bade Halleck a French 
adieu at Corinth, might have been partially crushed before 
the siege of Corinth began. So, Shiloh was left to be 
finished at Perry ville, at Stone River, at Chickamauga and 
at Mission Ridge, 

The part performed b}' the rebels in this contest was in 
some respects marvelous for its brilliancy of conception and 
execution, but sad mistakes dimmed the glory of their 
deeds. The plan was worthy of the master mind that 
devised it. General Albert Sydney Johnston had done well 
in conducting the war in the West. But the rebels at home 
were not satisfied. Their clamors reached and stung the 
gallant leader. He determined to dazzle them by a move- 
ment of Napoleonic brilliancy. In wonder they behold him 
flying, as if in dismay, from Nashville, through Murfrees- 
boro, not stopping even at Huntsville ; but at once seeks the 
south side of the Tennessee. From thence the railroads 



68 CHAPLAIN HieHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

soon transport his troops to Corinth. Here he unites his 
forces with those of Beauregard. Immediately he moves 
forward to defeat Grant before the coming of Buell. All 
this was grand, and in striking contrast to the usual dull and 
snail-like movements of our own Generals in those days. 
But Johnson committed a great error when he attacked our 
army on Sunday. One greater than Johnson or Grant has 
said: "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy!" 
There certainh' had been enough of disastrous Sabbath 
fighting previous to that time to have taught him a lesson. 
It he only could have fallen upon our men on Saturday 
there would have been no Buell near to have played the part 
of Blucher, and Beauregard's horse might have been watered 
from the Tennessee. The same genius that made such rapid 
movements might have precipitated the contest one day 
earlier. Another error was the filling- of the canteens of 
his soldiers with whisky. Experience has shown that men 
need all the sense they have in battle. Drunken officers and 
soldiers never do so well as sober men. Even when men 
are without a stimulant the}- often become wild and excited in 
battle. Coolness, calm thought, and a consciousness of 
the dangers and* demands of the hour will give men confi- 
dence in one another and in their officers ; will produce 
harmony in the movements and precision in firing, and add 
solidarit}^ to the army. The wild huzza of the drunken 
charge is soon stilled by the leaden hail delivered by sober 
men. Then all confidence is gone and the intoxicated men 
become ungovernable. The officers are not fit to command, 
nor could they if the})- were. The surprise of our men at 
Shiloh enabled the rebels to fight wildlv and successfully all 
day. But when night came, and the excitement and whisky 
were spent, the rebel soldiers went down in their feelings as 
far below a proper level as they had been above it during 
the day. We might be surprised the}'^ did not entrench on 
Sunday night, especially in view of the coming of Buell, if 
it were not for their drunkenness. Men who have been 
excitedlv intoxicated all dav but little think that men so 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. «i9 

brave as they imagine themselves to be, need fortitications. 
Most of them sunk down in drunken stupor where night 
overtook them. Others, not having yet exhausted their sup- 
ply of whisky, spent the night in carousal over the supposed 
victor}'. One company was fovmd dead on the morrow, 
having been hurled into eternit}^ b}- an exploding shell while 
playing a game of cards. Such was the excitement of the 
rebels on Sunday that they neglected to take any steps to 
secure the camps they captured. They supposed that they 
could attend to this at their leisure. But when Monday 
morning dawned their gallant leader was dead, their artifi- 
cial stimulants were gone, and they had not sober courage 
to meet their foe. They are driven in hot haste through 
these camps which they cannot pause even to burn, and 
victory yields to sad defeat. 

All in all, the battle of Shiloh was more like some opiatic 
fever dream than sober history. There were yells and 
charges and roar of musketry and cannonading. The trees 
were torn as well in their highest branches as about their 
bases. Some were reckless of life beyond all reason, fight- 
ing with open wounds until death ensued by bleeding. 
Meanwhile some with disheveled hair and distorted counten- 
ance fled in terror to the rear. Men who survived the con- 
test look back in wonder on the occurrences of those event- 
ful days. By the official reports, one thousand seven hun- 
dred and thirty-nine federals and one thousand seven hun- 
dred and twenty-eight rebels were killed dead upon the 
field — being eleven more of our men than the enemy. The 
result shows the fight w^ell matched and the total — three 
thousand four hundred and sixty-seven — proves the deadli- 
ness of the contest. No more were reported than actually 
fell. No doubt both of the reports fall short of the truth. 
The number who died of their wounds w^ould swell the loss 
to about three thousand on each side. On our part 7,882 
were reported wounded and 4,044 missing. Many of these 
missing will never be heard of until the revelation of the 
great day. Our loss is officially stated at 13,665. I am con- 



70 CHAPLAIN HKtHTS HISTORY. 

fident, from what I saw and heard, that this is none too large. 
Fifteen thousand would be nearer the truth. The enemy 
lost as many. Thus thiitv thousand men were placed hors 
de combat at Shiloh. 

The country people who built the plain little log chapel 
and called it Shiloh. a prophetic name of the Messiah, but 
little thought of the deadlv strife to come, and how their 
little house of worship would be made famous in all coming 
time. The battle was well called Shiloh. and. it seems, we 
are indebted to the rebel General Beauregard for the appli- 
cation of this name to this battle. Our people began to call 
it Pittsburg Landing, but when he sent in his request to be 
permitted to bur\' his dead he dated it "On the Field of 
Shiloh." This name was immediately taken up by General 
Buell and soon preyailed oyer Pittsburg Landing. Shiloh 
means '"The Gathering.'* L'p to that time there had been 
no such gathering on the continent. It was a gathering of 
men and of arms. The words of Jacob were certainly ful- 
filled of this Shiloh. as of old : "Unto him shall the crather- 
ing of the people be."" It was the most deadly battle that 
had then been fought in America. More Americans are said 
to haye fallen in it than in all the Reyolutionary war. 



CHAPTER VI, 



Shiloh to Corinth — Camping Among the Dead — Un- 
comfortable Quarters — Moving Toward the 
Enemy, by Slow Degrees — General Halleck as a 
Commander — Corinth Evacuated — Halleck Out- 
witted BY Beauregard. 



WE remained in this camp for about ten days without 
tents or baggage. Our teams had not been able to 
reach us, owing to the effectual blockade of the single mudd}- 
road bevond the Tennessee. In the meantime our men con- 
stnicted temporar}^ shelter from the rain, which fell almost 
every day, by using bark which they peeled from trees. It 
was not the most cosy and comfortable quarters that one 
could imagine, but it was the best to be had. 

While in this ver}- undesirable situation we were visited 
by Judge Elisha Embree and Rev. John McMaster, two 
sterling, patriotic citizens of Princeton, each of whom had 
a son in the Regiment. Rev. McMaster remained in camp 
over Sabbath and preached for us, this being the first 
preaching service the 58th had enjoyed since my connection 
with it, and for some time before that. The Regiment had 
been required to march or perform some other dut}' almost 
ever}' Sabbath. Up to this time, it seemed to me, I had 
been able to do but little good as Chaplain. I was in bad 
health and was greatly discouraged, but I was not yet will- 
ing to give it up. 

In addition to our other discomforts and cheerless sur- 
roundings here, we were located on ground that had been 
the scene of some of the hardest fighting and there were 



72 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

dead bodies of men and horses all about us for several days. 
A stor}^ is told of one of our men that he lay down beside one 
to sleep one night and became highly offended because his 
silent companion would not divide blankets. Why did we 
not bury them? Well, I hardly know, unless it was because 
we had no spades or other tools with which to dig a grave. 
Burying parties were at work but it was a big undertaking 
and it was several days before the work was completed. 

The weather continued damp and cold and the men were 
suffering from privation and hunger. All the rations had to 
be carried on their backs from Pittsburg Landing, a distance 
of four miles. There were several cases of severe illness 
here and their only shelter from the rain was such as could be 
made from the bark of trees. Among those who were 
severely sick was Private Emmerson, of Company F, 
and the news had got home that he was dead. In a day or 
two after the sutler of the 8th Indiana Battery, who had 
been home on a visit, arrived in camp bringing with him a 
fine metallic coffin. When he came to the Regiment to 
inquire after the corpse he was astonished to learn that it 
was not ready. Comrade Emmerson is the only living man 
in the 58th who had so fine a coffin sent to him. He lived 
to serve his time out. 

During the remainder of April we had some pretty tough 
experiences in soldiering. The country was the most deso- 
late and forsaken we had ever seen ; the rains continued and 
the mud was very deep and very nasty. Sickness increased 
and many deaths occurred. The 58th lost some noble men 
in this wilderness campaign. We moved camp every few 
days, often going but a few miles, but never staying at one 
place long enough to get fixed up, even if the facilities for 
fixing had been at hand. 

During the month of May we continued our cautious 
advance toward Corinth, where the rebels were now in 
force, strongly fortified. Our position was in General 
Buell's arm}^ in the center. Grant's army was on the right 
and General Pope, who had come up after the capture of 



FIFTY-EWHTH INDIANA REUIMENT. 73 

Island No. lo, with the arm}- of the Mississippi, was on our 
left. Major General Ilalleck was the commander of this 
entire force. It was an immense army and was capable of 
great things if it had been properl}^ managed. As it was it 
seemed to be cumbersome and unwieldy. Somehow 
the several Divisions seemed to be getting in each other 
way. Sometimes we thought ourselves in the front and 
near the rebels. Pickets would be thrown out ; strict orders 
would be given about making tires or noise of any kind, lest 
the enemy should discover our position. Later we would 
discover that a whole Division of our own troops were in 
tront of us with blazing lires and stirring music. 

On the 1 8th of May, however, we did get near enough to 
the enem}-^ to hear balls whistle and shells burst. liere we 
threw up our hrst entrenchments. We were now about 
three miles from Corinth and the rebels were plenty enough 
between us and that town. From this time until the 30th of 
May there was more or less skirmishing in our front every 
day, but no serious casualties occurred in the 58th. 

On the morning of May 30th the 58th was out on picket. 
About daylight the drowsy sentinels were arroused by a 
loud and continuous explosion. Looking in the direction of 
Corinth we discovered huge columns of smoke rising over 
the town and above the intervening tree tops. Soon the 
news came that the rebels had evacuated the place. This 
was as much of a surprise to General Halleck as it was to 
the private in the rear rank. Although we had been for two 
months within twenty miles of the enem3^ it appears that 
our commanding General had never been able to compre- 
hend his movements. And now, after all this delay and 
extreme caution on the part of the Commander of this army 
of over 100,000 men, the wily foe had escaped. Just when 
General Halleck thought he was read}^ to close in on Beaure- 
gard, that shrewd Commander deliberately walked out of 
the trap. There was great strategy displayed in this Corinth 
campaign — but it was all on the part of General Beauregard. 

As soon as the discoverv was made that the rebels were 



7+ CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY. 

evacuating, General Nelson and General McCook hastened 
forward with troops from their respective Divisions and 
occupied the town. They followed the retreating rebels a 
short distance beyond, but they had too much of a start of 
our forces, and nothing of importance was accomplished. 
So, the fruits of our victorv were the peaceable possession 
of a town of insignificant proportions, and such things 
thereunto appertaining as the rebels did not care to take 
away with them. 

Saturday morning, May 31st. our Brigade went into 
Corinth, and remained during the da v. We spent a good 
deal of the time looking around this late rebel stronghold. 
We found a great amount of camp equippage which, oiu" 
friends, the enemy, had left, but which thev had rendered 
useless. There was also a great quantit\- of provision left 
but they had attempted to destrov this in various wavs. 
They had destroyed manv of the houses in the town and 
left it in a very forlorn and ruined condition. There 
were numerous forts and formidable works of defense 
around the place, but the seige guns and lighter field pieces 
had been removed while our army was innocently waiting. 

In their retreat from Corinth the rebel army was broken 
into detachments, part going toward Okolona, Miss., and 
part toward Memphis. Probably the largest part of what 
had been Beauregard's grand army at Corinth, was the force 
under General Bragg that headed eastward toward Chatta- 
nooga. In consequence of this movement of the rebels, our 
army had to suffer similar disintegration. The arni\- of {he 
Ohio, which was the designation of that force commanded 
by General D. C. Buell, and of whicli the 58th was a part, 
was directed to look after General T?ragg, and we immedi- 
ately turned our attention in that direction. Bragg, how- 
ever, had every advantage of his competitor, antl it was not 
long after the evacuation of Corinth until his arm^• was 
safely established in Chattanooga, and read\- for offensive 
operations. What these were will be fulh* developed as we 
proceed with oiu" stouy. 



CHAPTER VII. 



FuoM Corinth to McMinnville — Getting out op' Ma- 
larial Swamps into a Healthful Country — Inci- 
dents OP' the March through Alabama — Tuscumkia 
— Moorp:sville — Hot Roast at Huntsvile — 
Forcp:d March to Shelby ville — Enjoying Life at 
Dp:cherd — Up thp: Cumberland Mountains and 
Back Again — Watchin<; the Movements of Bragg 
— A Brush with Forest. 



MONDAY morning, June 2d, General Wood's Division, 
of which the 58th was a part, began its march towards 
the East. We camped for a few days at Bear Creek, near 
luka, having passed through Farmington, en route. We 
then continued our march eastward, along the line of the 
Memphis and Chattanooga railroad, until we reached Tus- 
cumbia, where we again went into camp on the 9th of June. 
Our camping place here was on the count}^ fair ground, one 
of the most beautiful locations for a camp we had yet found. 
The ground was encompassed by a broad stream of clear, 
cold water, running out of a bluff of rocks. It was one of 
the tinest springs in the world and this clear water was 
healthful and refreshing to the boys who had been living for 
tlie last three months in the swamps from Pittsburg Landing 
to Corinth, and drinking of the sickly miserable water which 
was the only kind to be had in that country. The 15th 
Brigade was now in the advance of Buell's army and was, 
to a large extent, isolated from any large body of troops. 
This was a new experience to us and an advantage in many 
ways. It afforded an opportunity for enjoving this splendid 



7r. CHAPLAliN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

country which had not yet been disturbed by either army. 
It was like entering the confines of a new world when we 
left the barren wastes of the country about Corinth and the 
crowded presence of a large army, and were permitted to 
breathe the pure air, drink the fine water and enjo}^ the 
scenery of the tine plantations of northern Alabama. The 
effect of this change of atmosphere, diet and scenery, was 
soon manifested in the improved condition of the soldiers. 
Man}^ of those w^ho had been barelv able to keep up with 
their Compan}^ during the long campaign through the Mis- 
sissippi swamps, speedily regained their wonted health and 
vigor under the influences of this invigorating Alabama 
climate. During the three weeks' stav in the tair i^i'ound 
at Tuscumbia there w^as a wonderful recuperation of the 
men of our Regiment, and when we again started on the 
march the 58th was in a better condition plwsically than it 
had ever been. Thousrh not so strono- in numbers as when 
it left Camp Gibson, it was better able to withstand the hard- 
ships of a soldier's life, because the men who were with the 
Regiment now were thoroughly seasoned to these hardships. 
While the 58th w;as in camp at this place several incidents 
occurred affecting the organization of the Regiment. One 
of these w^as the resignation of Colonel Carr and tiie pro- 
motion of Lieutenant-Colonel George P. Buell to the 
vacancy. Captain Brown, of Company A, and Lieutenant 
Knox, of Company D, also resigned and left the Regiment 
at this place. First Lieutenant William Davis was promoted 
to the Captaincy of Company A, and Sergeant Charles C. 
Whiting, was made First Lieutenant of same Companv : 2d 
Lieutenant George Whitman, of Compan^' D, was promoted 
to the vacancy made bv the resignation of Lieutenant Knox. 
■ Previous to this time several other changes occurred 
which we will note : Captain Joseph Crow, Company F, left 
us while the Regiment was in Kentuckv, March 21, 1862. 
Lieutenant Daniel L. Cain was promoted to tlie vacancv. 
Second Lieutenant Joseph D. Fisher resigned April 19th, 
1862, while {hv Regiment was on the Corinth campaign, and 




GENERAL GEORGE P. BUELL. 

For Biographical Sketch see page 568. 



KIFTY-EKiliTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 77 

First Sergeant Augustus Milburn was promoted to the 
vacancy. Captain David J. Banta, of Company E, resigned 
May 30th, 1862, and ist Lieutenant A. H. Alexander was 
promoted to the vacancy. Lieutenant Samuel H. Spillman, 
Company G, resigned March 23d, 1862. Sergeant Major 
Joseph Grant was promoted to the vacancy. Second Lieu- 
tenant George Labarree, of tiie same Company, resigned 
March 4th, 1862, and Sergeant Sasser Sullivan was pro- 
moted to the vacancy. Captain W. B. Carr, of Company 
K. left the Regiment May 1st, 1862, and his place was tilled 
by the promotion of Lieutenant Charles H. l^ruce. 

The old regimental band retiunied to us while we were in 
camj") at Tuscumbia. Mention has alread^' been made ot 
the iiand's departure wliile we were in camp at Edgefield. 
1 1 seems tiiat the Government had reconsidered its determin- 
ation not to muster regimental bands, and so it came about 
tiiat the 58th band was returned. The leader of the band 
was James Patterson and there were some very good musi- 
cians among them. There were some in the organization, 
iiowever, who had not even a speaking acquaintance with a 
musical sound. But our band was tully up to the average 
regimental bands of those times, and its music served 
lo enli\'en things in camp and on the march — particu- 
larh- when the Colonel would spy some women ahead 
of tlie column waiting to see us pass. By experience and 
intuition, whenever the band struck up on our march, the 
boys always knew that there were women ahead, and they 
would give their ragged and dusty blouses a sudden jerk, 
shift their belt and cartridge boxes, and otherwise adjust 
themselves so as to make as tine an appearance as possible 
for the coming female review. When the reviewing party 
wns scrutinized it was often found to be composed of the 
most homely female specimens the country could produce ; 
and that is saying a great deal, for the productions in this 
line in some of the country through which we passed were 
truly marvelous. Instead of finding a bevy of beautiful 
damsels of the sunny south in these groups there was often 



7J5 CIIAI'LAKN lll(illT-S illST01.'V OK THE 

a motlev collection of long, lank women, with sallow count- 
enances and hollow eves, indicating a habit of snutT eating 
and a daily diet of clay. But the band played on, while the 
bovs would indulge in words pertaining to the Colonel and 
his display that would require dashes and exclamation 
points if produced in print. 

I have mentioned some of the events that occurred at 
Tuscumbia camp affecting the official roster of the Regi- 
ment, but T will omit some things in this line that might be 
mentioned. It will serve the purpose of this record just as 
well if the short comings and indiscretions of some of the 
officers and men, who afterward proved themselves true and 
brave soldiers, should be covered bv the broad mantle of 
charity. 

The 58th was not idle while in camp at tiiis place, al- 
though there was a good deal of resting done. There was 
a resumption of Company and battallion drill, an exercise 
that had been in suspense, for obvious reasons, for many 
months. While there was no large rebel force in the vicin- 
ity, there were manv bands of guerillas prowling around 
the country. Many of the members of these bands were 
good loyal citizens during the da\' time, but after dark the^' 
were individually and collectively hostile to the "Yankee 
invaders," as they regarded us, and they were ready tf) 
engage in any scheme that would work damage to the Union 
arm}'. One of their favorite pastimes was the burning of 
cotton and the destruction of railroad bridges. Almost 
every night the light from burning cotton gins could be 
seen. The particular object in this wanton destruction of 
their own property was somewhat of a myster\' to us. We 
could only surmise that it was Ix^cause of the fear that this 
cotton would fall into the hands of the Union forces and 
would strengthen their cause. The foolish idea that "Cot- 
ton was King," and that it was the controlling commercial 
product of the world, was prevalent in that section in these 
(laws. There was a large explosion of this idea later on. 

An effort was made to apprehend these marauders and 



FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA RE(iIiVIENT. 79 

stop thfir depredations and to some extent it was successful. 
Several scouting parties were sent out tVom the Regiment 
and Brigade and some captures were made. Company B, 
of the 58th, and Company K, of the 17th, were detailed to 
go to Cain Creek, about ten miles distant, to guard the 
railroad bridge and to keep an, eve on things in that section. 
This detachment was on dutv there about two weeks when 
they were relieved by a Company of cavalry and orders 
were given the Companies to rejoin the Brigade, which then 
had orders to march. 

About the ist of July the L5th Brigade broke camp and 
lett this pleasant situation, taking up its march eastward. 
This was not at all agreeable to the soldiers, but they did not 
think it worth while to make a formal protest to General 
Buell, who was in command. The soldiers had learned by 
this time that their pleasure and convenience was not always 
consulted bv the General in command. They had learned 
that they had the privilege of grumbling all they wanted to 
and might complain of the hardships and unpleasantness 
of their situation to their hearts' content. There was no 
objection to that — just so they obeyed orders. 

Following the line of railroad — which, by the way, was 
biMng operated now by the army between Corinth and 
Decatur — we soon found ourselves in Decatur. Here we 
remained in camp a few days waiting for the completion of 
arrangements for crossing the Tennessee river. We spent 
the 4th of July here. As part of the exercises of this day 
we were reviewed by Brigadier-General Wood and Briga- 
dier-General Hascall. There was also some attention triven 
to dress parade and the promulgation of some general orders 
pertinent to the occasion. The members of the 58th 
indulged their patriotic ardor by taking a good rest, which 
was really about the most sensible form their patriotism 
could take. It was a relaxation they ver^- much needed, 
after the several davs' marching through the hot sun that 
had preceded and was to follow this camping place. 

On Julv 5th we crossed the Tennessee river, using some 



80 



CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



old flat bottom barges for the purpose, the rebels having 
destroyed the railroad bridge here. The river was shallow 
and the men used long poles to push the boats across. It 
was about ii o'clock p. m., July 5th, when the 58th had all 
crossed, and they went into camp a short distance beyond 
the riv.er. Next day we resupied our march to Mooresville, 
six miles from Decatur, where we again went into camp for 
a few davs. We left here about the loth dav of July and 
marched to Huntsville, through which we passed on one 

ot the hottest da}'s we had 
ever experienced. To 

make the matter worse the 
Regiment was haltetl just 
beft)re reaching the town 
and the men were ordered 
to put on their blouses — it 
was their custom to discard 
blouses and extra clothing 
on these hot marches. But 
the Colonel commanding 
was going to make a grand 
show of iiis Regiment 
now. ITunts\-ille was a line 
town, inhabited by reiininl, 
wealthy people, and it 
woidd never do lor us to 
march through the cit\' in 
our shirt sleeves and otherwise slovcMily attire. So the order 
vvas given to have the men put on their coats and adjust their 
equipments preparatory to a grand march through the city. 
llw boys were not averse to participating in this kintl of 
a jiarade under ordinary circumstances, but just now {be 
condition was not particular!}' pleasing. But the Colonel 




I. M. SMITH, CAI'TAIN CO. 15. 



♦At the organization of the Re<,Mnient was Second Lieutenant of Co. K. 
Was promoted to First Lieutenant of that Company June Ji, 1S62. Trans- 
ferred and promoted to Captain of Co. B, December 30, 1S62, and continued 
as such until April. 1865. Since the war he has been en<;a',^ed principall\ in 
farming and stock raisini< near Newman. Ills., where he still resides. 



FIFTY-EmHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 81 

has commanded and the}- had no choice in the matter. The 
Companies were divided into phitoons, and with guns at 
"right shoulder shift," bayonets fixed, the cohimn started, 
headed by the Colonel and his staff' mounted in front. The 
regimental band was making its best efforts in the way of 
music, the tired foot soldiers were doing their best to pre- 
sent a martial appearance, while Old Sol, from his place, 
high in the heavens, was doing his best to make a general 
roast ot the entire aggregation. His efforts were the most 
nearly a success. The lines were kept in pretty good shape 
tor a short time, but before we were through the business 
part of the citv, men began to fall out bv the dozens and 
hunt tor a shade. They were utterlv exhausted. Some of 
them came a few hours later to the Regiment, when W went 
into bivouac a couple of miles out of town, but many others 
were turned into the hospital, and not a few never were with 
the Regiment again. 

We went into camp in a beautiful grove just outside of 
town and the wearv soldiers were soon stretching themselves 
upon the grass enio\'ing a much needed rest. We prepared 
dinner and it was the general belief that the Regiment 
was to remain in camp here, for awhile at least. All were 
delighted at the prospect of camping in such a pleasant 
place. Here was a rich agricultural country with ffne roads, 
ffne springs of water, with a fine town the center of it all. 
Who would not be delighted to live in such a locality? It 
was not strange that the 58th Regiment should rejoice in a 
chance to rest in such a place after the several months of 
almost continuous marching. We also found much satis- 
faction in the prospect of remaining here, from the fact that 
the 42d Indiana was stationed at Huntsville. As two 
Companies of this Regiment had been raised in Gibson 
count V, our boys found many old acquaintances and friends 
with whom they expected to exchange visits, and have a 
real good time. 

But, alas, our pleasant anticipations were of short dura- 
tion. Soon after going into bivouac the orders came to be 



82 CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTOKY OK THE 

ready to march at 4 o'clock the same afternoon. Our orders 
for a sudden departure from here was on account of news 
of Forrest's raid in Tennessee. He had made an attack on 
a force of ovir men at Murfreesboro, under General Critten- 
der, capturing the entire force. Forrest was expected to 
continue depredations in that section and the advance troops 
of General Buell's army were ordered to move on to 
Shelbyville with all possible speed. So it was that our 
stop at Huntsville was cut short. At five o'clock in the 
afternoon of the same dav of our arrival, we were 
moving out on the turnpike towards Shelbvville. We 
marched until 1 1 o'clock that night before stopping to camp. 
Next morning we resumed our march at an earh- hour. 
We crossed the state line during the day and reached Fav- 
ettsville, Lincoln county, Tennessee, that night. There 
was a pretty strong Union sentiment in this count\' and as 
our Regiment was the first Union soldiers that had passed 
through that section, we were an object of much interest to 
these loval people. They met us with every demonstration 
of joy. But there was also a large secession element here 
that looked upon us with hatred and bitterness. There 
was a very bitter feeling in this part of Tennessee between 
the citizens. In many sections there was open war. Guer- 
rilla fighting was common. As we passed through tliere 
was no organized rebel armv near us, but the country was 
full of rebel guerrillas and bush-wliackers, and woe to the 
straggler who fell into tlieir hands. Some of our 
Regiment who had relatives and friends in tliis section 
and who took occasion to visit them during our march 
through, could a tale unfold as to tlie danger of such a ven- 
ture. 

In the afternoon of the fourth day after leaving Huntsville 
we arrived at Shelbyville. This was the most loyal town 
we had struck since leaving Indiana. As we entered the 
town we were enthusiastically cheered by the citizens of all 
ages and sexes who lined the streets. From the court house 
there floated the stars and stripes, and from many of the 



KIFTV-KKiHTH INDIANA RPXtIMKNT. 83 

houses the same emblem of Unionism and loyahy, was dis- 
pla3^ed. A large number of young men of this place 
enlisted in the Union army, and many gave their lives in 
the defense of the flag of their country-. 

Our stop here was not long. A large number of the 
Regiment had dropped out on the way hither and we waited 
a day or. two for them to catch up. Then we went on to 
Decherd, a little station on the Nashville &, Chattanooira 
railroad, arriving there about the 23d of July. Here we 
went into camp and made preparations to stav awhile, and 
we actually did stay for three weeks. The greater part of 
General Wood's division was concentrated about Decherd. 
Our purpose, so far as we could understand it, was^to guard 
the railroad and to watch the movements of the rebels who 
were now^ concentrated at Chattanooga. But it was not the 
business of the common soldier to bother about plans and 
purposes. That was the concern of the officer in command. 
Tlie rank and tile might discuss these matters, and form 
tlieories, and evolve military movements, developing strategy 
of the highest order, but they did not allow such discussion 
and such mental exercise to interfere in any way with their 
ease and enjoyment — not after they had the experience of 
real soldiers. The 58th had such experience by this time. 
We did not care what the General was planning to do or 
what would be our next move. Our chief concern was to 
get plenty to eat and secure a cool comfortable place to 
sleep. There were very strict orders against foraging, but 
the boys did not care for the orders. If they could evade 
the pickets and escape the patrol that was frequently sent 
out to gather up the foragers, they would have the best the 
land afforded. And the crop of potatoes, corn, chickens, 
etc., was prett}' good around Decherd about this time, as 
many of the 58th boys can testify. In the event that a for- 
ager should fall into the hands of a too zealous squad of the 
patrol, or if the picket guard should be obstinate and refuse 
to "look the other way," just when the forager was trying 
to sneak into camp with his load, — should he be captured 



84 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OK THE 

and be marched in "disgrace" to the General's headquarters, 
he was sure to receive a very severe reprimand. Sometimes 
he was sentenced to "carry a rail," sometimes he was 
called to undergo some more severe punishment, but more 
often he was sent to his Colonel or his Captain, who would 
be instructed to inflict such punishment as the crime might 
deserve. Inmost cases this mode of punishment . was the 
severest of all to the unfortunate foracfer. He would have 
to "divide" with the Colonel, or the Captain, one or both, 
too often both. Then he would be sent to liis mess to feast 
on what was left, promising, meanwhile, that he wouW 
never be guilty of foraging again, or, if he should ever in- 
dulge in such practice, that he would be more careful about 
being caught. Thus the time passed. We had an abund- 
ance of garden vegetables, roasting ears, peaches and all 
kinds of fruit. The country was well supplied with these 
products, but it was rather barren in that respect after our 
three weeks' stay. It must not be understood here that the 
soldiers confiscated all this without compensating the own- 
ers. As a rule the produce was bought and paid for. Tlie 
soldier who had money would alwavs exchange it for some- 
thing to eat, and he was not alwavs particular about the 
price. 

During our stay here a detail was made from tlie Regi- 
ment to go to Indiana on a recruiting service. Of this 
detail Major J. T. Embree, and Captain Joseph Moore, of 
Company B, were a part. It was while we were in this 
camp that Hugh Shaw, of Company I, became involved in 
a quarrel with Major Foster, of the 3d Ohio cavalrv, and 
knocked him down. Shaw was afterward court martialed 
and sentenced to be shot, but owing to some defect in the 
proceedings the order was never executed. 

Dr. W. W. Blair, our Regimental Surgeon, was appointed 
Medical Director of Wood's Division, August Qth, while we 
were at Camp Decherd. He entered upon his duties at 
General Wood's headquarters and his place in the Regiment 
was filled bv Dr. J. R. Adams. Dr. Samuel E. Holtzman, 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KKCIIMENT. 



85 



of Bloomington, Indiana, who came to the Regiment in 
April, as an additional assistant Surgeon, by order of Gov- 
ernor Morton, had remained as such until this time. In the 
transfer of Dr. Blair to Division headquarters, Dr. Holtzman 
became regular assistant Surgeon. 

August 14th we left our pleasant camp at Decherd and 
moved in the direction of Manchester. We stopped near 
this town for a dav or two then moved on toward McMinn- 
ville, camping at a point on the railroad about twelve miles 

trom that place. Our 
Regiment was assigned 
the duty of repairing the 
railroad from Tullahoma 
to McMinnville. Com- 
pany B was detached on 
special duty to guard a 
bridge about four miles 
from the Regimental 
camp. The Company re- 
mained here about two 
weeks and were then re- 
lieved by Company F, 
54th Ohio. Company B 
was ordered to report to 
their Regiment, which was 
then under orders to join 
the Brigade, stationed six 
miles from McMinnville. Before arriving, however, the 
Brigade had moved, the entire Division being under march- 
ing orders and on the road across the Cumberland mountains 
toward Chattanooga. So the 58th only halted at the recent 
camping grounds of the Brigade long enough to draw rations 
and eat dinner. Then we moved on after our command. 




J. R. ADAMS. 



* Started out as Assistant Surgeon and discharged the duties of Regi- 
mental Surgeon after the appointment of Dr. Blair as Medical Director. 
Was promoted to Surgeon of the 15th Indiana in August, 1863, and continued 
as such during the remainder of his army service. Since the war he has heen 
practicing his profession in Petersburg, Incl., where he still resides. 



8H CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

We reached their camping place at the foot of the mountains 
about sundown and rested for the night, feasting ourselves 
on the excellent potatoes, roasting ears, etc., which were 
plentiful hereabout. 

Early next morning we began climbing the mountain, the 
men pulling the wagons and artillery up the steep places in 
the winding road by long ropes attached to the vehicles. 
It required all the strength of men and mules to draw the 
artillery and wagons up the mountain, but it was linallv 
accomplished. About ii o'clock we were on the summit 
and halted here for two or three hours, then moved on to 
within two miles of Altamont. General Wood sent a squad 
of cavalry ahead and the\' came back reporting water and 
forage scarce. On the strength of this intbrmation we were 
ordered to countermarch to the place from whence we 
started in the morning. This was a trying ordeal tor the 
boys who had nearly exhausted themselves in the arduous 
work of the morning. They were not only tired but were 
half famished with thirst ; and no water nearer than the foot 
of the mountain, seven miles down the roughest road ovt'r 
which we had ever traveled. But such inconveniences and 
discouragements are part of a soldier's life and it is the part 
of a soldier to endure them with as much complacencv as the 
circumstances will admit. So we turned about and started 
for the foot of the mountain. Sometime after dark we 
reached our camping place of the night before and tbund 
water to quench our thirst and something to satist\' our hun- 
ger. Then we found a convenient spot of ground tor a bed 
and were soon in a condition of forgetfulness of tlie jiast 
and of indifference as to the present. 

Next morning we resumed our march and stopped again 
at the former Brigade camping ground, six miles from 
McMinnville. We cleaned oft' a nice place for camping, 
and, after the usual manner, moved next day. Stopped 
within two miles of McMinnville where we remained for 
some time. Our condition now seemed to be one of sus- 
pense and uncertainty. There appeared to be a great deal 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RF:UIMENT. 87 

of uncertainty on the part ot' our Commanders as to whether 
Bragg's army was contemplating an advance on our position 
at McMinnville, or whether they were going to some other 
place. It was pretty evident to those in a position to know 
that the rebel army was unusually active and that some 
important move was contemplated. Forrest's cavalry was 
ver}' much in evidence in our vicinitv. On the 30th he 
made an attack on a stockade erected and defended by the 
54th Ohio Company, that had taken the place of Company 
B, of the 58th, a few days before. Forrest's forces were 
repulsed with considerable loss. The news of this affair 
was brought to our camp by a courier, who was hatless, 
coatless and very much demoralized. He insisted that the 
rebels were coming in great force. Of course this created 
considerable excitement in camp. The "long roll" was 
sounded and our troops were soon in line ready for action. 
But they did not come. In fact, Forrest was just now try- 
ing to avoid any large body of troops, as he was in some- 
thing of a close place and was seeking a way to get out of 
it. It was about two o'clock p. m. of that same day that 
General Wood received word that Forrest's command was 
crossing the railroad about two miles from our camp, and 
was making his way toward Woodbury. The information 
was that his forces expected to cross the Murfreesboro road at 
a poiht eight miles to our rear. Immediateh^ General Wood 
ordered three Regiments of our Brigade, viz : — the 26th 
Ohio, 58th Indiana, 17th Indiana, and the 8th Indiana Bat- 
tery, all under the command of Colonel Fyffe, — to start on 
the "double quick," to intercept the rebels at the point indi- 
cated. After a hot march we came upon the enemy about 
dark, just as he was turning into the road upon which our Bri- 
gade was marching, when our skirmishers opened tire. 
The battery took position and opened up, while the whole 
Brigade in line of battle advanced. But Forrest's command 
did not stay to see the fight. They were taken by surprise 
and fled in great confusion, leaving on the field arms, horses, 
mules, equipments, and the only wagon they had. They 



8« CHAPLAIN HKtHT'S HISTORY. 

took to the woods, scattering in even^ direction, seeming!}^ 
every man for himself. Of course it was useless for us to 
pursue them. It was now after dark and they were mounted, 
and the}' could easily keep out of the way of our soldiers on 
foot. So we returned to camp. 

Next morning the 58th Regiment was ordered to return 
to the scene of the last night's skirmish on a reconnoiter- 
ing tour. We found a great many relics of the stampede 
ol the night before in the shape of guns, and accouterments, 
articles of clothing, etc., but nothing of much value. 
It was learned that several of Forrest's men were wounded 
in the skirmish but they had all been taken away. As it 
appeared to us now our hast}^ return to camp last night was 
a blunder. In the lirst place the march was an unnecessary 
hardship on the men, and in the second place we missed an 
opportunity to secure the fruits of our bloodless victory. 
Many of the stampeded rebels, as it was learned, were hid- 
ing in the woods in the near vicinity during the night, ex- 
pecting to be captured in the morning. What a surprise 
it must have been to them that the "Yankees" were not about 
next morning. This being the case, there was nothing for 
the lingering "Johnnies" to do but to deliberately take up 
their journe^^ toward their command. It was about noon of 
that day when the 58th arrived and it was expecting too 
much of the discomfitted "Johnnies" to wait on us until that 
hour — especially when there was some uncertainty about our 
coming. We gathered what booty there was to be found 
and returned to camp in the evening. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Retreat from McjMinnville to Louisville — Through 

iVIURFREEISBORO NaSHVILLE BoWLING GrEEN 

Fight at Mumfordsville — Rapid Marching after 
Bragg — Arrival at Louisville — Tired, Ragged, 
Dusty and Discouraged. 



WHILE it may not have appeared to the common soldier 
that our movements for the past six months have 
been controlled by anything that Bragg has been doing, or 
attempting to do, yet it will soon appear plain enough to 
any one, that his movements have a very distinct controlling 
influence on our own. One of the things discovered by our 
trip to the top of the mountains was that Bragg' s whole 
army was on the move.* 

It has been noted that Bragg had concentrated the arm}- 
under his command at Chattanooga. During the summer 



* The following dispatch to General Buell from General Thomas, who 
was in command of the Union forces at McMinnville, throws soine light on 
that mountain march and the reason for turning back: 

HEADQJ.TARTERS FiRST DIVISION, ARMY OF OlIIO, } 

Altamont, Tenn., August 25th, 5 p. m. f 
A/a/or- Genera/ Buclh Decherd: 

The enemy no nearer than Dunlap. It is reported there is one Brigade 
there, and one at Pikeville. This I learn here, and which confirms the 
report of Major Loughlin, First Ohio Cavalry. 

Water scarce — only one spring here: and not forage enough in the 
neighborhood to last for one day. The road up the mountain is almost 
impassable. General W'ood has been from six o'clock till now, and has not 
succeeded in getting his artillery up the road. I deem it next to impossible 
to march a large army across the mountains by Altamont, on account of 
scarcity of water and forage, and the extreme difficulty of passing over the 
road. I will therefore return to McMinnville and await further orders. As 
I mentioned in one of my dispatches. I regard McMinnville as the most 
important for occupation of anv. The occupation of McMinn\'ille, Sparta, 
and Murfreesboro will, in my opinion, secure the Nashville and Chattanooga 
railroad. I have sent out Smith to put in operation a system of couriers, by 
which, I believe, we can get reliable information. 

Very respectfully, 

GEORGE H. THOMAS, 

Major- General U. S. V. 



90 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

he does not seem to have been very active, at least his activ- 
ities have not been troublesome to our army, as we were 
several miles away, with high mountains and a broad river 
between us. It was about the 22d of August when Buell 
tirst learned definite!}' that the rebel chietlain was crossing 
the Tennessee river, but there was some doubt, it seems, as 
to what his intentions were. It was now pretty evident 
from all the circumstances that he wanted to get into Ken- 
tucky, but there was uncertainty as to what route he would 
take. This uncertainty remained until August 27th, when 
General Thomas captured a dispatch to the rebel General, 
Van Dorn,* which revealed Bragg' s whole plans. But the 
information came too late to enable Buell to checkmate the 
move. Bragg had simply outwitted Buell and had the start 
of our army. On the 30th of August, Buell gave orders for 
the army to concentrate at Murfreesboro with all possible 
dispatch. This was the beginning of the great race to 
Louisville. 

It was the 3d of September that General Wood's division 
started on that famous retreat. This was a move of which 
very little can be said to the credit of our military leaders. 
It was a forced march from beginning to finish. The 
weather was hot, the roads were dusty and for the greater 
part of the distance there was a great scarcity of water. 

* IIeADQLI ARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 2, / 

Chattanooga, Tenn., August 27th, 1862. \" 
Major-dcneriil Earl Van Dorn, Commandins^ District of the Mississippi, 
Jack-son , Miss. 
General: We move from here immediately, later hv some davs than 
expected; but in time, we hope, tor a suc-cessful campaign. Buell has cer- 
tainly fallen back from the Memphis and Charleston railroad, and will 
probabl>- not make a stand this side of Nashville, if there. He is now forti- 
fying that place. 

General E. K. Smith, reinforced by two Brigades from this army has 
turned Cumberland Gap. and is now marching on Lexington, Kentuck^■. 
General Morgan (Yankee) is thus cut oft' from all supplies. General 
Humphrey Marshall is to enter Eastern Kentucky from Western Virginia. 
W^e shall thus have Buell pretty well disposed of. 

Shennan and Rosecrans we leave to vou and Price, satisfied voii can 
dispose of them, and we confidently hope to meet you upon the Ohio. 
Respectfullv, vour obedient servant. 

BRAXTON BRAGG, 
M. M. KiMMKi.. General Comma7iding. 



FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 91 

Our destination, as we thought, was Murfreesboro. And so 
it was, but we did not stop there. We found on reaching 
that place that other troops were ahead of us. A great 
army was passing through here in hurried haste, all headed 
in the direction of Nashville, and all the Government stores 
in Murtreesboro were being sent to that place. What did it 
mean ? Some of the more sanguine thought it meant that 
the war was over and we were going home. But there were 
not many who shared in this belief. It was too plainly evi- 
dent that there was something serious involved in our hur- 
ried movement to the rear. 

Tired, dusty and foot-sore we arrived at Nashville, finding 
the army increasing in numbers as we moved toward that 
place. Camping here for one night we resumed our march 
toward Gallatin. This was oft' the line of march on which 
the main army was passing, and the roads were less block- 
aded and our progress less interrupted. Between Gallatin 
and Bowling Green the 58th marched a day and night, 
covering a distance of over forty miles. On arrival at 
Bowling Green we went into camp for a few days, enjoying 
the first rest that we had had since leaving McMinnville. 

By this time we knew something more definitely as to the 
reason of our retrograde movement. We all realized now 
that there was a hurried race between Buell and Bragg for 
the Ohio river, with the chances in favor of Bragg winning. 
The two armies were moving part of the time on parallel 
roads, often only a few miles apart. While we were resting 
at Bowling Green, Bragg's army gained the advance and 
swuno- his forces airainst Mumfordsville, where there was a 
Brigade or more of Union troops, under the temporary com- 
mand of Colonel J. T. Wilder. After a sharp fight the 
Union troops were forced to surrender. About 4,000 men 
and 4,000 small arms, and a large amount of army stores, 
was our loss here. This occurred on the 17th of September. 
Buell's advance did not reach the place until the 21st. In 
the meantime all our captured prisoners had been paroled by 
Bragg. The main part of Bragg's army had swung oft' 



92 CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTOKY UF THE 

to the right from the direct road to Louisville. A strong 
force had been left at Mumfordsville, however, to resist our 
advance. Our Brigade was in the advance of BuelFs army 
as we approached Mumfordsville. Being apprised of the 
rebel force at that place we moved forward with extreme 
caution. When within about four miles of the place we en- 
countered the rebel cavalry. Deploying into line of battle, 
our Brigade moved on through helds and woods, driving 
the rebels back. Thev did not offer much resistance until 
the}^ reached the main force which was posted across the 
river from Mumfordsville. Here they showed such a deter- 
mination to resist our further progress that preparation was 
made to give them the best we had in the wav of tight. 
Two Companies of the 58th Indiana were sent forward as 
skirmishers, with the entire Regiment as reserve. Behind 
this were the other Regiments of the Brigade in line of 
battle, supporting the 8th Indiana Battery posted on a higii 
knoll commanding the crossing at the river. Detachments 
of the 3d Ohio cavalr}^ were on either flank. It was not 
long until the skirmishers had opened up communication 
with the rebels across the river, and there was quite a lively 
interchange of shots for a while. Several times the rebels 
attempted to drive back our skirmishers but were not suc- 
cessful. We held our ground while the batteries from both 
sides thundered, and the solid shot and exploding shells tore 
up the ground and made our situation anything but pleasant. 
Tiring of this after a time, we made a charge across the 
river, which was shallow enough at that time to wade, and 
drove the rebels from their position. We found that the 
force was not strong, only a few cavalry left behind to 
impede our progress while Bragg' s main army could gain 
time. Although no serious casualt}^ resulted from this 
engagement it served to show the soldierly qualities of the 
men of our Regiment and their courage under fire. Every 
man was in his place ready for duty and did his duty 
unflinchinglv. 

Among those who were captured and paroled at Mum- 



FIFTY-EKjHTH INDIANA EECilMKNT. 93 

fordsville were a number of recruits and returning convales- 
cents of the 17th Indiana. They had got thus far on their 
way with Colonel Wilder when Bragg' s advance struck the 
place and gobbled them up. 

Next morning after our little brush with the rebels we 
resumed our march toward Louisville. Bragg was now in 
our advance, but at Elizabethtown he turned to the right, 
taking the route leading through Bardstown. It was vet 
uncertain wiiether he would reach Louisville ahead of us, and 
we were pushed forward with all possible speed. We passed 
rapidly on to Elizabethtown where we arrived at 3 p. m. of 
the same day. We went into bivouac for a short time, but 
about dark we again took up our line of march and kept 
going until ii p.m., when we went into camp for the night. 
Early next morning we started without having an opportun- 
ity to get anything to eat. About 2 o'clock p. m. we arrived 
at West Point on the Ohio river, nineteen miles below 
Louisville. General Buell here took steamboat passage for 
Louisville, and we went into bivouac until 10 o'clock next 
morning. At that hour we started again but did not make 
very rapid progress. Late in the afternoon of September 
25th, we went into camp in a meadow, situated on the river 
bank, with the pleasant prospect of a good night's rest. 
But our anticipations were not realized. About 9 o'clock 
word came to "fall in" and move on to Louisville, about 
ten miles distant. It seems there was great fear that the 
rebels would strike that place with its garrison of new troops 
before our arrival. Hence the order for us to proceed at 
once. We were now in advance of Buell's entire arm\- 
and it was, therefore, important that we should move on. 

At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 26th of September, 
the Brigade to which the 58th belonged entered Louisville. 
It was as dirty and ragged a crowd of tourists as had ever 
been there. The}' were also tired, foot-sore, and very much 
disgusted and discouraged. Here we were again at the 
same place from which we started about nine months ago, 
with a strong and defiant rebel army within a few miles of 



94 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

us. It indeed was discouraging, for it seemed that all our 
arduous work had been for naught. No wonder many of 
our soldiers took advantage of our proximity to Indiana to 
take a "French furlough" here, and visited their homes. 
Under all the circumstances it is eas}- to understand how 
many of those who thus absented themselves without leave, 
were persuaded, bv some of their rebel-svmpathizing friends, 
to remain at home, and thus to cause themselves to be marked 
as deserters. It is a fact that there were more cases of deser- 
tion during the retreat of our armv, and while we were at 
Louisville, than at any other time. Perhaps more than dur- 
ing the entire three 3"ears' service. As soon as we struck 
the Ohio river, at the mouth of Salt river, there was a long- 
ing desire to cross over into "God's Country," as our sol- 
diers called Indiana. The homes of manv of our Regiment 
were only a few miles distant, and it was not unnatural that 
some of them should avail themselves of this opportunity to 
visit their friends. At Louisville there was a great pressure 
upon the commanding officers for fvu'loughs. A few were 
granted but it was out of the question to grant all requests 
of this kind. It would have simply amounted to a tempor- 
ary disbanding of the army and giving up the cit}- to the 
rebels. However, those who were very anxious to go home 
did not stand on the formality of a furlough ; thev simply 
went, both officers and men. It was a risky thing to do, but 
most of them were fortunate enough to get back to their Regi- 
ments in time to avoid any serious consequences to themselves. 
As has been stated, we arrived in Louisville at 3 o'clock 
on the morning of September 26tli, in the advance of Buell's 
armv. It was a cold frosty niijfht, the men were all thinly 
clad and sulTered from cold. We halted on a vacant lot on 
Broad street, near the center of the city. There were several 
old frame buildings near at hand, and it was not long until 
this combustible material was doing patriotic service in 
warming the tired soldiers, and boiling coffee for their refresh- 
ment. It was cause of great astonishment to the Louisvill- 
ians, this invasion of their z\\\ at that hour of the night, and 



FIFTY-ERIHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 95 

this appropriation of their property, without leave or license. 
But our ragged and fatigued veterans were not in the most 
amiable mood just then, and were not inclined to stand on 
ceremony. 

Our entry into I^ouisville at this time and in this fashion, 
also occasioned something of a surprise to the Regiments of 
new troops which were guarding the city. Some of these 
new troops thought the rebels were coming sure, and the 
"long roll" was sounded in several camps, calling the sol- 
diers into line of battle to resist the invasion. Their alarm 
is not to be wondered at, taking ever^^thing into consider- 
ation. For several days the city had been in a state of fever- 
ish excitement on account of the approach of the rebel army. 
For some time after leaving Mum fords ville, as we have 
stated, Bragg's army was ahead of Buell, and there was 
a probability that Bragg would reach Louisville first. He 
could easily have done so, but for some reason he chose to 
switch off' to Bardstown. Then, another reason why the 
fresh troops might be excused for being alarmed at our visit 
on that cool September night, was because our general 
appearance was very much like what they would imagine 
the rebels to be. We were ragged and dusty, and only a 
few of our men had a coat or blouse of any kind. In the 
matter of appearance of our attire we might easily be mis- 
taken for a rebel army, or an army of beggars. 

Next day we were moved to an open space outside of the 
city, not very far from the place we first camped on Ken- 
tucky soil. We had a chance to rest here for a few days, 
but we had no change of clothes and no opportunity^ to draw 
new clothes. Our knapsacks and extra clothing had been 
left with the wagon train at Bowling Green. We could 
wash and make a more presentable appearance, however, 
and this we did. It is remarkable what a change can be 
effected, even on a ragged soldier, with a little soap and 
water, and an inclination to use them. 

While in this camp we were visited b}' many friends from 
home and also by Indiana's great war Governor, Oliver P. 



H() 



CHAPLAIN KlUHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



Morion. This was Governor Morton's third visit to the 
58th since we left home and we were always glad to see 
him. His visit at this time was especially cheering. As he 
walked through our camp he spoke words of cheer to the 
men, assuring them of his constant concern for their welfare. 
He told us that we would be paid otf here and new clothing,^ 
blankets, etc., would be issued. This was the arrangement 
made through the influence of Governor Morton, but it did 
not. turn out that way, as we shall see presently. 

A large number of new 
Regiments were added to 
our armv here. These 
Regiments iiad been or- 
ganized under President 
Ivincoln\s call of Julv i, 
1862. /\s a rale they 
were composed of more 
mature men than those 
who enlisted under the 
first call in 1861. Tlw 
first (Milistments were 
largelv voting men and 
bovs, those of 1862 were 
generally older men, 
manv of them with wives 
and cliildren at liome. 
Tliis characteristic in tlie 
composition of the new 
Regiments indicates the 
growtii of sentiment as to the seriousness ot the struggle. 
It might be charged that there is a little of the love of 
adventure and a desire for glory, mingled with the patriotic 
ardor of the \()ung man, without domestic afliliations, who 
enlists in tlie army to tight his country's battles. But this 

* Was mustered in as Sergeant of Company A in Camp Gibson, and 
served his full term of enlistment with his Company. After his discharge 
from the army he returned to his farm near Oakland City. Indiana, where he 
has continued to reside. 




.\NDRKW Gl DGRL, SKRGK.\NT CO. A.* 



FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA KKUIMENT. 97 

cannot be said of the man who will leave a wife and children. 
Pure and genuine patriotivsm is unquestionably the motive 
that prompts such sacrifice. 

These new Regiments were all well equipped, and in their 
bright new tiniforms they presented a great contrast to the 
veterans of Buell's army. We found many of our triends 
among the new recruits, particularly in the 8oth Indiana, a 
Regiment that had been organized in Camp Gibson, the first 
camp of the 58th. 

Some important changes in the organization of the army 
took place while we were at Louisville, which it will be well 
to note here : On the 29th of September, General Wm. 
Nelson, one of our most efiicient Division commanders, was 
killed at the Gait house by General Jefierson C. Davis, the 
result of a personal quarrel. This unfortunate event cast a 
gloom over the army for a time, but there were too many 
other exciting events transpiring tor this to obtain more 
than a passing notice, except among the immediate friends 
and associates of the parties. On the same day of this 
occurrence a general order was issued re-organizing the atmy 
into three grand divisions, to be known as the First, Second 
and Third Corps. They w^ere also called the Right Wing, 
Center and Left Wing. The First Corps, or Right Wing, was 
assigned to the command of Major-General A. D. McCook ; 
the Second Corps, or Left Wing, w^as commanded by Major- 
General Thomas L. Crittenden ; the Third Corps, or Center, 
was commanded by Major-General C. C. Gilbert. Major- 
General George H. Thomas was second in command under 
General Buell. In this organization the 58th was assigned to 
the First Brigade, First Division, Third Army Corps, or Left 
W^ing. Our Brigade was still commanded by General Has- 
call, and composed of the same Regiments as formerly, wnth 
the addition of the looth Illinois. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Louisvii.LE TO Nashville — Driving Bragg from Bards- 
town — Following Him Through Springfield — 
Long and Dusty Marches — Water Scarce — Bat- 
tle OF Perryville — Dilatory Movements — Blun- 
dering — Bragg, with his Booty, Escapes — Turning 
Toward Nashville — An October Snowstorm — 
Columbia — Glascow — Sil\'er Springs — Lookincj 
AFTER Morgan — Again at Nashville. 



THERE was great disappointment when the orders came 
to march, after we had been in Louisville less than four 
days. We had expected to get our pav and clothing while 
here, but our hopes were blasted. On the ist day of 
October we started again on our march in the direction of 
Bardstown. The part of the rebel army under Bragg was 
now concentrated at this place. Another large force was at 
Frankfort under General Kirby Smith. It was the purpose 
of General Buell to prevent these two armies from uniting, 
and he, therefore, sent a large portion of his army to Frank- 
fort to interest the rebels at that place while another part was 
dealing with Bragg at Bardstown. 

The first night alter leaving Louisville the 58th camjied 
on the same ground that they occupied on tiieir other trip 
this wav, the previous December. Starting from there earlv 
next morning we soon found that our progress was disputed 
by the rebels. A continual skirmish was kept up between 
our advance and the rebel cavalrv all that da\', but we kept 
driving them back. It was evident that Bragg was not 
going to give us the right of way if he could avoid it. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REtflMENT. 99 

The third evening after we left Louisville we were \nsited 
by the paymaster and received our pay, the first we had 
received for four months. It was very inconvenient to take 
care of money situated as we then were, as there was little 
opportunitv for sending it home. Several attempted to do 
so and never heard of the remittance afterward. Others car- 
ried their money with them on the march and lost it in one 
way or another. 

In the march the following day the 15th Brigade was 
assigned to the advance of the army. We were skirmishing 
with the rebels all dav. Turning to the left of the main 
pike we moved along until, about the middle of the afternoon, 
we had reached a point a mile and a half from Bardstown, 
where we halted. It was important to know just what force 
of rebels were in our front, so the 58th Indiana, 26th Ohio 
and two sections of the 8th Indiana Battery, were sent for- 
ward as a reconnoitering partv. A portion of the 3d Ohio 
Cavalry was sent in advance of this party. We had pro- 
ceeded but a short distance when the report of sharp firing 
of carbines in our front was evidence that our cavalry had 
found the rebels. The two Regiments of infantry were 
hurriedly thrown into line of battle on each side of the road. 
While this movement was being executed the cavalry came 
flying back at a furious rate, which was their habit in emer- 
gencies of this kind. This sudden retrograde movement of 
the cavalry caused a good deal of excitement and confusion 
among the infantry, and prevented their formation into line 
for a time. Soon the artillery was in position and fired a 
few shots in the direction from which the cavalry fled. 
Skirmishers were thrown forward and the whole line 
advanced. The rebels were soon found, but the}- did not 
make a verv strong resistance. We found they were only 
the rear guard of Bragg' s retreating army, and they readily 
moved on when we charged upon them. As we entered the 
town on one road we could see the rebels making their exit 
in great haste on another. Bragg's main force had been 
gone several hours. We marched into town and went into 



100 CHAl'LAlxN HKtHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

bivouac for the night. The 58th occupied the court house 
and served as provost guards that night. Next morning the 
other part of our army came up and passed on to the front, 
going in the direction of Springfield. About 10 o'clock 
General Wood's Division started on the march, leaving the 
17th Indiana at Bardstown as provost guards. We camped 
that night on Beach Fork of Salt river, near the village of 
Lynchburg. 

Started late next morning, struck the Springfield pike 
and followed it to tliat place. The rebels had been 
driven from here by our advance several hours before 
our arrival. We camped again in th(^ fair ground, same 
place as on our tormer visit last winter. We remained iiere 
the next day and the next night, waiting tor orders. The 
roads were now literally blockaded with troops and wagons, 
so that it was difficult to get started and tedious marching 
after we did start. About noon of the second day we left 
our Springfield camp. We moved out on the Lebanon pike 
for a short distance then turned off to the left toward Dan- 
ville road. The march of that al'ternoon and the greater 
part of the night was 'one long to be remembered by those 
who participated in it. The road was very rough and very 
dusty. There was not a drop of water to be liad tor man 
or beast. About 11 o'clock tiiat night we reached the place 
where it had been designed to camp, only to find that no 
water could be had, so we had to go on. We turned off tiie 
road at Hayesville and went along a narrow by-road, follow- 
ing a dry creek bottom for about six or eight miles. It was 
move a little piece, then stop, then move on again. This 
jogging march continued all night, and many a worn out 
soldier fell b\' the wayside utterly (\\hausted, notwitiistantl- 
ing the stringent orders from the commanding General, read 
tlie previous evening, in regard to stragglers. 

About }, o'clock in the morning the welcome word came 
thai wati'r was found and we were going into cam]-). Our 
camping i->laci' was on Rolling Fork of Salt river, and we 
found an abundant supph' of water with which to quench 



FIFTY-EKjHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 101 

our thirst. After getting a drink tlie men piled down in 
every conceivable shape and were soon sound asleep. 

The sun had risen some time before our camp was astir 
next morning, and then we were only partially rested tVom 
the fatiguing march of the dav before. This morning, 
October 8, we learned that the enemv were in full force at 
Perr^'vilIe, eight miles from us, and that there was a strong 
probabilitv of a battle that dav. Colonel Fyffe, command- 
injjf our Briofade, visited each Retriment of his command, as 
they were drawn up in line preparatory to starting on the 
march. He made a brief address to each, urging the men 
to be courageous and faithful in the discharge of the trying 
duty to which thev were likely to be calk'd that day. He 
reminded them of the high honors alreadv achieved by the 
soldiers of their respective states and charged them with the 
duty of maintaining that high standard. Colonel Fyffe was 
answered with cheer upon cheer, indicating that the men of 
the old 15th Brigade, composed of soldiers from Indiana, 
Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky, were ready for any duty, and in 
the battle which was though.t to be impending, the\- would 
not be found wanting-. 

To our surprise we did not start at once towards Perr^-- 
ville, where the enem}^ was reported to be, but la^' at this 
camp until 12 o'clock, waiting orders from General Buell. 
Then, after starting we did not move rapidly, but made 
several long halts by the way. We did not reach the battle- 
tield until near sundown. The battle had been rasrincr since 
noon, with only McCook's Corps to withstand Bragg's entire 
army. It was an unequal contest but our men showed great 
valor and held their ground. To the private soldier it 
seemed a great bhmder that the rest of BuelFs armv was 
not brought into'this battle. There were thousands of troops 
within easy reach, enough to have crushed Bragg. 

We were thrown into line of battle about sundown. The 
battle was still raging tiercely off to our left, but thei-e was 
nothing but skirmish hring in our front. Soon after dark 
tlK> battle ceased, and there was comparative quiet during 



102 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

the night. We slept on our arms in line of battle waiting- 
lor an attack. Early next morning we discovered tliat the 
enemy had taken advantage of the darkness to slip awav. 
Their dead and wounded were left on the field in great num- 
bers, showing that tlieir loss was severe, as was also our own. 

The Perryville battle seems to have been a mistake all 
around. It is said that Bragg made the attack thinking it 
was only a small force that he had to contend with. He 
had no idea that the greater part of Buell's armv was within 
easv reach. On the other side it was claimed that McCook 
undertook to make a reconnoissance and went too far, bring- 
ing on a general engagement. It is claimed tliat Buell had 
no information of the battle until after it had been raging- 
tor some time. The conduct of the commanding General 
in this battle was severely criticised, and there were a great 
man\' tlieories as to what might liave been the result it 
thincfs had been ordered ditlerentlv. I am inclined to a<rree 
with the critics in this regard. I cannot get m^^sell to 
believe otherwise than that, in the battle of Perryville, a ser- 
ious lack of generalship was manifested. It was a useless 
slaughter of men without any substantial benefit. The mis- 
take was not only in failing to press our advantages, by 
brintrino- all our available force durino- the battle, but also in 
the same neglect of opportunity after the battle. Had Buell 
followed up the retreating rebels the next morning, even, 
with the troops tluit had not been engaged in the previous 
day's conflict, he would most certainly have greatly worsted, 
if not entirely destroyed I)ragg\s army. But tlie golden 
opportunity was neglected and Bragg continued his retreat 
without serious interruption. 

Next morning we lay on the battlefield waiting orders to 
follow after the retreatino- rebels. The order did not come 
until about i o'clock that day, when we moved through 
Perryville and a short distance beyond tlie town, where we 
went into camp. The next morning we made an early start, 
taking the direction of Danville, whither it was said the 
rebels were retreatinfr. Aliout five or six miles from Perry- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 1(>:! 

\ille we turned to tlie rio-ht and marched aljoul se\"en miles, 
when we went into camp in a beautiful walnut grove. We 
were in the tamous blue grass region now and found many 
line groves covered with this wonderful product of Kentucky 
soil. This is also the center of the richest agricultural sec- 
tion of the state and there are evidences of luxury and 
wealth on everv side. What a pit}' that this beautiful scen- 
er\' should be marred b\' the red hand of war. What a pity 
that a people who had such happy and comfortal'jle homes, 
and prosperous surroundings, should rise in rebellion against 
the government that had protected them, and thus invite the 
carnage and devastation of contending armies. 

Earlv next morning our pickets were attacked b}' Morgan's 
cavalrv. Thev were driven in and were closely followed 
bv the rebels who evidently expected to find our troops 
unprepared. But thev were mistaken. Part of the 58th 
had just returned from picket duty, on another part of the 
line, and w'as engaged making coi^'ee and preparing break- 
fast, when the rapid firing of our picket outpost indicated 
that there was trouble on hand. Coffee and cookinij- uten- 
sils were quickly abandoned. Even before the order to 
"fall in" was given our boys were getting their guns. In 
less than three minutes the line was t'ormed and readv for 
the charo-ino; column of cavalrv. In the meantime our bat- 
terv was taking position and soon opened out on our earlv 
morning visitors. This seemed to surprise them as the^- 
immediately turned and fled. It was learned afterward, that 
this attack was intended as a ruse to draw us on to a ]")lace 
where thev had some masked batteries in position to mow 
our columns down. 

After this sudden outbreak nothing else occurred during 
the dav to disturb the sei'enity of our camp. That night 
the entire Regiment went out on picket. Reports came in 
that evening that the rebels were in large force a short dis- 
tance from our camp and there was strong probability of an 
attack earlv next morning. This report, of course, was 
calculated to make us vi<rilaut. But later in the niifht our 



cavalry returned trom a reconnoisance and reported that the 
rebels, instead ot' contemplating an attack, were still on tlie 
retreat. They were then over on the other side of Ken- 
tuckv river. 

Orders were given to march next morning at 6 o'clock. 
Our entire Division was to go on a reconnoitering expedi- 
tion to find out what Bragg was up to. We took the direc- 
tion in which the rebels had been seen and marched nearlv 
all day. We did not follow the excellent turnpike roads, 
with which that section of covmtrv abounds, but took an 
angling course through the fields. We traveled throtigh 
some ot the tinest cornfields, and lields of other agricultural 
products, that we had ever seen. Little regard was paid to 
fine farms and stibstantial fences in otir march that dav. 
We were after the rebels and had no time to follow rounda- 
bout roads, nor to look after damaged crops and fences. 

About 3 o'clock our skirmishers came upon the rebel 
pickets and after a sharp fight drove them in. We discov- 
ered the enemy in strong force at Camp Dick Robinson, 
across Kentucky river. The}^ were reported to be abotit 
30,000 strong. As this camp was onlv abotit a mile and a 
iialf from where we were, it was thought prudent not to 
crowd them any closer with our small force. So we fell 
back a mile or so and went into bivouac for the nigiit. 
Next morning we moved toward Danville and camped 
within two miles of that city abotit 12 o'clock. There was 
expectation of a battle at Camp Dick Robinson, as it was 
thought the rebels would make a stand there, sure. So we 
were making our preparations to encompass Bragg and take 
in his whole army. Even the privates in our army could 
easily see how this thinir could be done. But aijain our 
plans failed, because Bragg was so unreasonable and so im- 
patient as not to wait for their full development. About 12 
o'clock, of the night before Buell's armv was going to capt- 
ure Bragg's army, news came that Bragg was taking his 
leave. The entire rebel force in Kentuck}- was in full 
retreat, making their wav throtigh the rugged mountain 



PIl'TV-EIOHTIt IKDIANA REGIMENT. I05 

country of Eastern Kentucky into Tennessee. \\ ith his 
tbrty mile train ot" wagons, loaded \yith plunder and supplies 
captured in Kentucky, Bragg \yas going back to the region 
from whence he started in the latter part of x^ugust. It was 
plain to us now that his giving battle at Perry yille, and his 
threatening maneuyers since, were simply for the purpose of 
delaying the advance of Buell's army, while his immense 
train of plunder was making its way out of the State, by 
way of Cumberland Gap. 

On receipt of information of Bragg's movements we were 
ordered to i^et readv to follow. About i o'clock that nicrht 
we were roused up and soon were on the road. At the 
dead hour of night we marched through Danville, taking the 
road to Stanford. Before long we were on to the rebels 
and engaged in a sharp skirmish with them. We drove 
them from the town and camped near them that night. 
Next da}' we had another heavy skirmish at Crab Orchard, 
and captured about twenty prisoners. This was the last 
exchange of shots we had with any of 15ragg's army during 
this campaign. He had been following us, or we had 
been following him, for about two months, during which 
time we had traveled over 500 miles, but the result of this 
arduous campaign was anything but satisfactory. We had 
the mortification now of knowing that Bragg was making 
good his escape with all his spoils. 

We proceeded on in the direction of Mt. \"ernon, but 
stopped within two miles of the town. Starting again next 
da\^ we got within four miles of Wild Cat and camped at 
that place several days. This was our furthest advance in 
that direction. When we moved again it was a retracing of 
our steps. We passed through Crab Orchard and Stanford, 
and then turned to the left, taking the Lebanon pike. It 
was understood now that our orders were to go to Columbia, 
Kentucky. There was nothing of interest that transpired 
on this march. The country through which we passed was 
rough and hilly ; the roads for the most part were narrow 
and unimproved, consequently our progress was slow. At 



106 CHAPLAIN HUiHT'S HISTORY OF THK 

the end ot tour chn's we arrived at Columbia in the midst ot* 
a heavy snow storm. This was ihc 25tli ot' October and the 
weather was nnusuallv cold. \\\^ were vet without tents 
and had only a scanty supph- of blankets and clothing, so 
that we were illv prepared to stand such weather. How- 
ever, we had learned a jjfood deal about soldierincj bv this 
time, and evervone knew how to adapt himself to the cir- 
cumstances. In lieu of blankets that night we made use of 
some adjoining hav stacks. With a bunch of hav to lie on 
and another bunch for covering, and with the various other 
devices for temporary shelter adopted, we managed to pass 
a very comfortable night, despite the tact that snow contin- 
ued to tall all tliat nipfht. Next mornino- the earh' riser, 
in looking over the place wiiere the 58th went into camp the 
previous night, would have discovered a great number of 
snow covered mounds, the scene resembling very much a 
populous country' cemetery. Later on there was a resurrec- 
tion and a transformation of scenery, when our soldiers begun 
to wake up and crawl out from under their covering of 
snow. 

We remained here for several days and during this time 
w'e were made glad by the arrival of our wagon train, bring- 
ing our tents and knapsacks. We had parted company with 
these at Bowling Green. It was like old times when we got 
our tents up and camp was arranged in regular shape again. 

With our tents and wagons also came about ninety new 
recruits, and several returning convalescents lor t!ie 58th. 
These recruits had been enlisted in Indiana by the recruiting 
party that left us at Decherd, under command of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Embree and Captain (now Major) Moore. This 
made (juite an addition to tlie somewhat depleted I'anks ol 
the 58th, and with our change of clothes we began to look 
more like a Regiment. 

The same day that our baggage arrived we were ordered 
to march, and accordingly started next uT^rning for Glasgow. 
We occupied three days in getting to that place. After 
Btavini: at Glasgow about a week we moved on toward 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. KiT 

(lallatin, Tenn. We passed through Scottsville, Kentucky, 
campino- there the second night after starting. We lay here 
one day \yaiting orders. After two more da^^s' marching we 
camped near the Cumberland river, on the pike leading from 
Gallatin to Lebanon. Here we remained about two days. 
In the meanwhile the 17th Indiana was sent as an escort for 
a wagon train going to Mitchelsyille after rations, the Louis- 
yille and Nashville railroad not being in operation further 
than that place. 

Starting again we forded the Cumberland river and struck 
the Lebanon and Nashville pike and marched toward the 
latter place. Our next camping place, lor a considerable 
time^ was at a place known as Silver Spring, twenty miles 
from Nashville. While here our old friend, John Morgan, 
was hovering about our outposts, occasionally gathering up 
a few of our pickets and straggling soldiers. This kind 
of business became so bold that it was feared there was 
a large force of rebels in the vicinity. In order to ascertain 
the facts General Wood's Division was ordered to make 
a reconnoisance toward Lebanon. We tound some rebel 
cavalry near Lebanon and chased them through the town. 
As they were mounted and we were afoot, they did not have 
much trouble in keeping out of our reach. We learned that 
Bragg's army was now concentrating at Murtreesboro and 
some reported that he was preparing to move on to Nash- 
ville with a large force. We were inclined to make a move 
ot that kind ourselves, and about November loth we broke.' 
camp at Silver Spring and started again in tliat direction, 
following the main pike. On the way we passed the 
"Hermitage," tlie home of General Andrew Jackson. 
Qiiite a number of our boys availed themselves of the 
opportunity to visit this noted place. We camped 'for about 
a week at Stone river and then moved on to Nasiiville, 
arriving there November 26th, and went into camp near the 
Nashvalle and Chattanooga railroad, about three miles from 
the city. 



CHAPTER X. 



Stone Ri\er [Campaign — Preliminary E\'ents — Ofei- 
ciAE Changes — Moving on to Murfreesboro — 
Sharp Fight at Lwerc^ne — Driving the Rebels 
Across Stewart's Creek — Opening of the Stone 
River Battle — Panic on the Right — The 58th 
Holds the Key Point — Engagement on the Left 
— Incidents of the Several Days' Battle — 
Casualties. 



DURINCj ihe jTi'ogress of the march Irom Pen"v\'ilk' to 
this phice there had been a change in the commander of 
onr armv. October 30th General Buell was relieved bv 
general order from the war department and Major-General 
W. S. Rosecrans appointed to sncceed liini. The army was 
now designated the '•'14th Army Corps, Department of the 
Cnmberland," and was composed of all the troops that had 
been under the command of General Buell. The sub-divis- 
ions of this army were now designated as tiie Right Wing, 
commanded by General McCook, Left Wing by (jeneral 
Crittenden, Center bv General Thomas. The 5Sth remained 
as before in Ilascall's Brij^ade of Woods Division, Lel\ 
Wing, n^ht' 17th Indiana was hvvv dc>tached fi-om our Bri- 
gade and afterwards became a part of a mounted infantry 
Brigade, commanded by Colonel J. T. Wilder. 

As this cani]^ James M. Smith, Lieutenant in L'ompanv 
K, was transtered to Company B and promoted Captain, 
there were also several promotions in otiier Companies and 
there was a general readjustment of afTairs all around. It 



FII'TY-KKJIITII INDIANA RK(ilMKNT 



IOI» 



was soon e\-ulcnt that a more thorouj^li orifani/ation and a 
stricter military discipline was lo be enforced nnder our new 
commander. Soon after our arrival in this camp we had 
our first i;'eneral review hv General Rosecrans. He rode 
down tlie line, followed In' his stafT, and inspired contidence 
in the soldiers by his fine military appearance and e\'ident 
determination to accomplish something- worthy of the great 
armv under him. We spent considerable time here drilling 
preparatory to an actiye campaign. Our clothing and camp 
equipage were looked after and we were soon able to pre- 
sent a respectai")le ap- 
pearance in this r(>gard. 
Moreover, we wcrt^ al- 
lowed full rations, a hix- 
ur\- of which we had 
been depri\-ed for mauA' 
months. 

x\t last (.>\-er\-thing was 
ready and the time to 
advance against l^ragg's 
army at Murfreesboro 
had comc\ December 
26th, just one month 
from tht' tinn' of our 
arrival in this cam]i, u e 
started on oui' marcli to 
Murtreesboro. A\'e left all our tents, caniji equipage and 
wagons at Nashvilk\ excejit that c^ach Regiment was 
allowed one wagon to haul oflicers' bedding, cooking uten- 
sils and th(^ extra rations that t'ould not be carried by tin- 
men in their hayersacks. 




l)U . \\ . R. M MAIIAX, I.IKir. CO. K.* 



* Was mustered in at Cainp Ciibson as Ser<rcant in Company K. June 2, 
1863. was comiiiissioiicd Secniui Lieutenant, and serxed as such until A|)!-il, 
I, 1N65. ui\en he was made First Lieutenant and was nnistered out with the 
Retjimcnt. Alter returning- iVom tin- arm\ he took up tlu' studv of medicine 
and soon entered u|ir)n tlie practiic ot' iiis prol'eshion. in which he lias achieved 
honor and success. lie is Imated at lluntin<jhur<>-. Ind., heiiii; one ol" the 
progressive and enter]irisinL; citizens of that place. Dr. McMahan is N'ice- 
President of the Reii;iinenial .Xs.-ociation and an active member of this I'uh- 
iishin^ C'onunitlee. 



I 10 



CIIAPLAIX HKiHT'S UlSTOh'V OK TIIK 



W c moved out on the Murtreesboro pike and il was not 
lonj^ until our advance came upon the rebel pickets. A 
lively skirmish began and continued all dav, but our forces 
kept driving the rebels back. A few hours alter we started 
it besfan to rain and continued the balance of the da^■. The 
hitherto dust\- pike v/as converted into a slopp^■ sea of mud, 
making our ]")rogress somewhat tedious and disagreeable. 
Hv nicrht we had reached Lavergne, a little village iust half 
v.av between Nashville and Murfreesboro. We bivouacked 
in the vicinity for the night, while the rebels still occupied 
the town. The 58th was thrown forward as an advance line 
and Companies A, B, D and F were deplo3^ed in front of the 
Regiment as skirmishers, occupying a position in a cedar 
forest, about a hundred yards from the rebel line. It 
was a position of danger and responsibility, and extreme 
caution and vigilance was necessary, A cold rain fell the 
greater part of the night, and, a.s we were not permitted to 
have tires, we were ver}' uncomtbrtable. We expected the 
rebels to make an attack at daylight and were wide awake, 
in line of battle waiting for them. But morning dawned 
and the enemy did not appear. 

About ten o'clock we were relieved trom picket duty and 
preparations were made to advance on the rebels, who still 
occupied the town. The}^ made their pr(\sence known by 
tiring a few shots from a battery posted in our front. At 
eleven o'clock our lines began to move, our Brigade being 
in advance, in the Ibllowing order : Fitty-eighth Indiana on 
the right, 26th Oliio on the left. The 3d Kentucky was the 
right and the looth Illinois the left of the second or reserve 
lini'. with the 8th Indiana Battery in the center. With Com- 
jianies A and B as skirmishers, the line emerged trom the 
woods and moved across the open iit^ld that lay between us 
and the town. To our surprise there was no resistance ol- 
h'vcd until we were half way across this lield. We began 
to think the rebels had lied. But when our skirmish line 
had advanced within about one iumdred yards of the town 
we formed a dillerent opinion. A few stray balls w hizzetl 



FIFTV-KKiHTll IXlilAXA JfFJi Hi KXT. Ill 

past our ears. This was the prehide to a murderous volley 
poured from the ranks of the waiting rebels. They were 
posted behind tenees, houses, trees, etc., and were hid tVom 
view. Oar skirmishers lay down and thus escaped much 
serious injurv from this vollev. We returned their fire and 
kept things prettv lix'eh- for awhile. Xothing was acconi- 
]")lished b\' this, however, and after awhile our skirmish line 
was ordered to tix bavonets and charge, which they did in 
tine stvle. This movement invited a shower of balls from 
the rebels. Five men of the 58th were wounded in this 
charge, one or two seriously. We gained our point, how- 
ever, driving the rebels from the town and starting them in 
lull retreat towards Murfreesboro. A short distance beyond 
Lavergne the skirmishers were relieved bv Companies iVom 
the 3d Kentuckv and looth Illinois. 

From this on during the dav our advance was steady but 
not without considerable skirmishing at times. The country 
^^•as broken and rockv, and in manv places covered with a 
ihick growth of cedar. This afforded the rear L^uard of the 
retreating rebels mauN' hiding places iVom which to fire on 
our advancing skirmishers. i)V the middle of the aftiMMioou 
the rain again began to come down in torrents, and con- 
tinued until near night. We were drenched to the skin but 
we kept right on, crowding close after the retreating rebels. 
About five o'clock we reached Stewart's Creek, about six 
miles from Murfreesboro. The rebels were in strong force 
on the opposite side of this creek, with several batteries 
posted on a ridge a few hundred ^'ards distant. As we 
came within range, these batteries opened tire and the rebel 
infantry along the creek joined in with a shower of lead. 
In the meantime, the detachment of cavalrv we had been 
fighting all da\' attempted to escape across the bridge, which 
had been tired bv the rebel skirmishers on the other side. 
Our advance line of skirmishers, composed of two Com- 
panies of the 3d Kentucky, seeing the bridge on fire, charged 
down ii]-)on the rebels and saved the bridge. In a few min- 
utes the i\'l")el ca\alr\- came leariu''' down to cross the bridjfe 



Ill' (IIAI'LAIN IIKillT'S IIIS'IOI.'V OK TIIK 

onh' to lind the\' were too late. The\' ran into a Compan\' 
ot'tlie looth Illinois skirmishers who c|uicklv took them in. 
Twentv-live prisoners, with their horses and equipments, 
were captured here. It was now dark, and as the force 
across tiie creek seemetl to be too strong for us to move, we 
went into camp in an old cotton field near hv. \\v had 
been marching and fighting for two days witliout a nigiits 
rest and we were all ready to take a rest. 

The next dny was Sunda\'. The clouds had passed awa\' 
and there had been quite a sharp freeze during the night. 
We remained in camp all da\' waiting for the other part ot 
the armv to get into position. The right wing under (xen- 
eral McCook. and the center under General Thomas, had 
been meeting with strong opposition and their progress was 
not as rapid as ours had been during the past two days. 

Pick(>t tiring in our trout was continiious all da^' Sundax . 
and occasionally there was an exchange of compliments by 
the batteries on each side of the creek. Everything indi- 
cated that we would have a general engagement here to- 
morrow. 

Monday morning- everything was in readiness for an ad- 
vance. After firing a few shells over into the rebel camp 
our column began to cross the creek. Skirmishers were 
deployed and began ascending the hill tollowed by the in- 
f;uitr\' and artilkny. The rebels did not stay to se*> it. 
Tlie\- immediately turned toward Murtreesboro. The coun- 
trv was mostly open from here on and our progress was 
more rapid than it had been among the cedars and rocks 
between Lavergne and Stewart's Creek. It was about the 
middle of the at'ternoon w^hen we reached Stone River, about 
two miles from MurtVet^sboro. We found the rebels in 
strong force here and our further progress was checked. 
That they were prepared to giye us battle at this place ad- 
mitted of no doubt. It was our business to get ready to 
meet them, and to this end the army of General Rosecrans 
was placed in position as fast as they arrived Monday even- 
ing. The v'^th turned to the left of the pike into a corn 



FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 1 1 ;i 

liekl. Harker\s Brigade was still skirmishino- with tlic robi'ls 
in our tront. We bivouacked in front of a large frame house 
belonging to a man named Collins, our line facing Stone 
River. 

Soon after dark the order came to "fall in/' "We must 
go into Murfreesboro to-nigiit,' was the order. Accord- 
ingly our line was formed. Marker's Brigade in front, and 
started lor the crossing of Stone River. The night was 
terribly dark and the air was damp and chilh'. Ilarker's 
Brigade had got across Stone River and our Brigade was 
about to follow, when the enemv on the other side opened 
fire. It was toimd that a force of rebels under I>reck- 
inridge, 4,500 strong, was waiting tor us on tlie other 
side, and we abandoned our undertaking. Harker recrossed 
with his Brigade and we all returned to our camp. For 
some unexplained reason tiie batteries of the rebels, posted 
within 200 yards on an opposite hill, were silent while all 
ihis maneuvering of ours was g(nng on. 

On Tuesda}' morning our Regiment was observed h\ the 
enemy across the river. A heav^• Mre of artiller\' was o]:)ened 
by them on Collins' house, causing us to change our jiosi- 
tion a little to the right. l"he rebel guns were soon silenced 
by tlie loth Indiana ])atter\-. All dnx there was cannonad- 
ing on our right where McCook was getting into position. 
At lour o'clock the 5Sth was sent out on picket, being ]iosted 
along tlie bank ot Stone River, near Widow MurtVees 
iu)use, coveriniT a crossing- known as Murfree's lord. Din- 
ing the night some of our men were sent across the ri\-er on 
a scouting expedition. The\' came back reporting that 
some mysterious movements were going on among the 
rebels. A large force of their infantr\' and artiller-\- a]")]X'are(l 
to be movin(r towards our riofht. 

With this excejition e\'ervthing witli us and in our iVont 
was exceedingly quiet. Away otfto tlie right, however, we 
could hear the noise of moving artillerv and wagons, and 
occasionally some picket tiring. The sound of axes wielded 
by the Pioneer Corjis broke tlie stillness ol'tlie night. "i'he\- 



in- ( IIAI'LAIN IIICiHT'S IIISTOKY OF THK 

were cuuinu; out roads throui^h the cedar forest to enable 
the artiller}^, ambulances and ammunition wagons, to get 
through. jVIcCook and Thomas were getting into position 
ready for the battle that now^ seemed inevitable. 

The plan of attack by General Rosecrans was for McCook 
to open the engagement bv assaulting the rebel forces under 
Hardee in his tVont. Thomas was to attack the forces under 
Polk in his front or assist McCook, as the exigenc^' of the 
case might require. This movement of our riglit and center 
was intended as a strateo^etic means of drawin"' the attention 
of the enemy in that direction, while Crittenden was moving 
against the rebel right under Breckinridge. It w'as our bus- 
iness, as a part of the left wang, to furiously assault the 
rebels in our front and drive them back on the town and 
thus gain the rear of Bragg's army. This was a. fine strate- 
getic scheme, and would have no doubt worked successfully 
had not Bragg decided upon a plan of battle for his side that 
was very similar to ours, and put his plan into ojieration fu'st. 

Wednesday morning, December 31st, opened bright and 
clear. About sunrise our ears were <£reeted with the sounds 
of heavv musketrv and artillery tiring on our right. It was 
evident the ball had opened. By this time Van Cleve's Di- 
vision, of Crittenden's command, was in motion, crossing 
Stone River at Murfree's ford. The 58th w'as ordered back 
to join the Division, W'hich was to follow Van Cle\e. 
Ilarker's Brigade was in the advance of Wood's Division, 
and was nearly all across the river when our movement was 
arrested by news of disaster on the right. A tierce battU- 
had been raging there for aliout two hours, and ti-om ihe 
sound it was evidently getting nearer. Could it be jjossible 
that our lines were giving w'a\'? This c|uesli()n was soon 
iinswered to our mortitication and sorrow in the atlirnialix'e. 
Inlying couriers brought the news that the right of our army 
was broken and was being driven back. Orderlies were 
soon speeding across the held carrying orders from head- 
(juarters to the xarious subordinate commands. lC\erylhing 
indicated that the condition of thin<rs was (.'.\ceedini'"l\' crii- 



FIFTV-KKiHTH IXIHAXA KE(JIMEXT. 11 :> 

ical. Tlic field in the rear of our line, where all was quiet a 
short time betbre, was suddenly turned into a scene of wild- 
est confusion. Shot and shell tVom the rebel batteries were 
plowino- up the ijfroimd all around us, and wagons, teams, 
ambulances, etc., were flying- about seeking places of safety. 
The usual complement of camp followers were panic stricken 
and were making iVantic efforts to get out of reach of the 
enemy's shells. 

Our orders for crossing the river were countermanded, and 
we were turned face about and sent to the support of the 
right and center. Harker's Brigade w^as the tirst to get in- 
to action. Our Brigade w'as moyed back into the open held 
and changed front several times. Meanwdiile the conflict 
increased in fury and the victorious enemy was graduall}' 
crowding oiu" troops back. We cotdd not see them, lor the 
battle was still hid by the cedar tbrest. But we could hear 
the defiant "rebel yell" as they charged upon our retreating 
columns. The stragglers and w^junded were hurrying past 
us to the rear. Their accotnit of the disaster in the woods 
was exaggerated, no doubt, but it was certainly very dis- 
lieartening. The men in our ranks were becoming uneasy 
and demoralized on account of the confusion, and because 
of our chang-incr front so many times. By this time we were 
almost entirely surrounded and the rebel shells were coming 
from every direction. A torce of Wheeler's Cavalry had 
o-ot in our rear, destrovinjif a wafjon train and a larije amount 
of supplies. Our hospital at Collins house was also captured 
and a number of the 58th who were there were taken pris- 
oners. Among this number was Dr. Holtzman, Assistant 
Surgeon, and R. M. Tvluntbrd, Hospital Steward. Our sit- 
uation just at this time was serious indeed. Unless some- 
thing could be done soon to check the rebel hosts our cause 
was lost, we would either be captiu'ed or be made to turn 
back to Nashville in a humilating retreat. 

Although the 58th had been under fire for two hours or 
more there had not been a gun fired by the Regiment up to 
this time. I?ut our opportimitv was at hand. The sun was 



1 Hi 



( IIAI'LAIN HKiHT'S TUSTOl.'Y OF TH K 



about at meridian and \'ictorv and defeat were hansfinj'- in 
the balance when our Reij^iment was ordered to take a posi- 
tion in line across the raih"oad to relieve the 3d Kentuck\', 
that liad jirevioush' Ix-en sent tVoni our Brigade and had ex- 
hausted their suppi\' ot amnumition.* Amid the deafening 
roar ot" battle, witli sixt\' roimds of cartridges, eacli, the 58th 
went l:)ravelv into the fight. Passing through a skirt of tim- 
bei" we came to the railroad embankment where tlie line was 
halted. This embankment served as an excellent line ol" 
breastworks and we began to think ourselves fortunate in 
getting a chance at tiie rebels iVom behind this iortihcation. 
But our telicit\' was ol sh(M-t duration. The c-omtuanding 
General thought our line was not in the right ])osition to do 
the most effective service and he directed Col. liuell to mo\e 
across the railroad and take a position bet\^'een that and tlie 
Pike. There had been a lull in the storm tor a few minutes 
but about the time our Regiment was to execute this order the 
shower of leaden hail was increased. It took nerve to climb 
that embankment in the tace ot this, but the men of the 58th 
did it. They quickly took the position assigned them, the 
k'll of the Regiment resting on the railroad, the riglit 
cxli-nding out at an angle ol about torlN-fixx' degri'es. 
L'omjianv A, on thi- right, was thus pUu'ed near a corn cnh 



* Kxlract tV<ini ri.'pf)rt of (icncral Ilascall, in command ol" Wood's 
l)i\ision : 

"I now rcliexL'ii llu' 3d Kentiu-kv F^cLfimcnt. who wlml- nrail\- anniliilatcd 
and out ot" annnuiiition, witli the ^8th Indiana rei;iniont ot"m\- hrij^adf, com- 
manded l)v Colonel (ieorye I'. I'uell; and this i)eini( a nuicii laiLier Reij- 
iment than the 3d Kentiiekx. tilled up the entire space trom \\ liere the riu:ht 
ot' the 3d Kentiick\' resteil to the raih-oad. I then tlirew forward the 
rii(lit ol" tiie fith Oliio Rei^iment. ol C'oloiul (irose's Ijiitjade. which was on 
liie rii^ht of tlie j6th Oiiio, so that its line ot' hattle was more nearh piTpen- 
diciilar to the railroaii, and so its i'ux- would sweep the front of tlie j6th Ohio 
and siSth Indiana, and supported the 6tii Ohio with ICstep's hatterv on a little 
I'lnim-nce to its rii(ht, and hrou'^ht up the 97th Ohio (Colonel Lane) from 
Wai^rier's lJri<rade, to still further streiiL^tiien the riLfht. Tliis disposition 
heiiiL;' made. I gallo])ed a little to the rear, and found (ieneral Rosecrans. and 
called his attention to the importance of the position I was holdini^, and the 
necessity ol' kecpini^ it snpporteii. llerotleto the Ironl with me, approxcd 
the disposition I hat! maiie. spoke a lew words ot" cncouranemi'iit to the nu'n. 
cautioning them to hold their lire till the t-iiem\ l;()I well up. aiul had no 
sooner ii'tired than theencm\- enu'rs^ed l"r:>m the woods aiul o\er the liill, 
and were mo\in;4 ujion us aj^ain in splendid s1\le arul in immense t"i>rce. 



FTFTV-i:i(;HTH INDIANA I^ECUMKNT. 117 

owned bv a man named Jerald. This corn cril) was ratiu-r 
a fatal shelter because the enemy directed their lire more 
uenerally to that building. Company B, on the left wing, 
was slightly protected by a few scattering trees. 

The rebels had now advanced to the edi^e of a thick woods 
in our tront, not more than one hundred yards distant across 
an open tield. The\' were sheltered behind trees, from 
which they poured a galling tire of musketry. From Cow- 
an's brick house, otTto our left, they opened a heavy fire of 
grape and canister. From 1,he hills beyond Stone River 
I^reckinridge's batteries poured in a destructive fire. But 
the 58th held its position amid all this murderous lire. The 
men were lying Hat on the ground and were loading and lir- 
ing at will. Twice the enemy left the woods in our front 
and started on a charge across the open tield, but thcN- could 
not stand against the shower of lead thai \\ as jioured into 
their ranks. Alter a time tiiere was almost a cessation of 
tiring and we were beginning to breathe easier. But still we 
were apprehensive that this was onh' the lull before the 
storm, and our apprehensions were well founded. The tr\'- 
ing ordeal was yet to come. While we were watchin<r the 
movements ot the enenn- in the woods, immediateh- in our 
Iront. there was a strong lorce ot rebels quieth- moving up 
tlirougli the open held on our lett dank. I^irt ot' Wagn(.>r's 
Brigade, which had been in reserve, was sent on double 
quick to meet them and strengthen our left. The moxi' was 
made none to soon. With a demoniacal yell that might 
raise the dead, the rebel lines emerged tVom the woods in our 
front and advanced upon us. At the same time they were 
coming in solid phalanx along the pike on our let't. On tlu'\- 
came in steady column, notwithstanding the murderous lire 
tVom our ranks. We could see their men falling like leaves, 
but the broken ranks were tilled and they held their ground 
with a heroism worthy of a better cause. At last the\- iiad 
to yield, but the}' retired in good order, leaying their dead on 
tlie tield. Seyeral of their men, however, were satistied 
with their experience tluis far and deserted the ranks at this 



lir, CHAPLAIN HKUIT'S HISTOI.'Y OK TIIK 

iuncture. When the tiring was hottest they fell upon the 
ground, ancl when the rebel force fell back these men skipped 
across to our lines and surrendered. One of these deserters 
came to our Regiment carrying an old blanket, that had once 
been white, as a flag of truce. It was probably cowardice 
more than lovaltv to the Union that prompted these men to 
come over to our lines at this time. 

The rebels had failed aufain to move our lines but it was 
not certain that thev would give it up yet. Indeed there 
v^^ere indications that they would come again with stronger 
force. We were ready for them. Just at this time General 
Rosecrans came up to the 58th, mounted and alone, the 
nearest man to the cnem}^ on horseback. Taking position 
about the center of the Regiment he called ''attention." He 
said : 'T want you to let them come up in about forty yards 
of vou, then lix bavonets, give them a vollev of lead and 
and charore them with a veil. If vou will do this vou will 
gain the battle." 

As he ceased to speak the enemv advanced in stronger 
force than ever. Thev seemed to be tive columns deep. 
They marched up in good order with lines dressed and col- 
ors flving. The commands of the rebel officers could be dis- 
distinctly heard. Thev came up within seventy-live 
yards and began tiring as thev advanced. Our men 
reserved their tire until the rebels came within litU' 
\ards when tlu'\- oj-)ened out. Tlie rebels lav tlown 
and thus escaped serious results Irom our vollev. 
In a tow moments the\' were ordered to rise and 
'•charge that brass batterv," referring to the 8th Indiana 
Batter\- of our Brigade, which was posted in our rear and to 
the right. The\' started on this mission atliM" poiu'ing a vol- 
k'\' into our ranks. Thev did not acUance hir until the\' 
were compelled to hall. At this time they were getting two 
pieces of artiller\- in position on our lelt to rake our line. 
This movemcMit was quickl\- discovered and our men poured 
a (U-adh' \'olle\' into them while our batteries gave them 
double charges ot' gra]:)e and canister. The horses at the 



FIFTV-EKiHTir INDIANA lJK(ilMKNT. 110 

two guns above named were instantly killed, and tli',> guns 
did not fire a shot. Thus thwarted in every attempt to break 
our line the enenu- retired in great confusion Irom this 
charge. This was the liigh tide of that da\\s battle antl it 
was the fortune of the 58th to hold the key point against th',' 
repeated charges of the flower of Bragg's army. Bragg iv\- 
egraplied Jeff Davis at the close of the tiglit that day that he 
liad 1)een successtul in breakincr the lines of Rosecrans' 
arm\- at everv point except at the "Round Forest/' — the 
position held bv our Regiment and other Regiments of 
Woods' Division. Because of their failure to carry this point 
Braggs' forces were prevented from achieving a complete 
victorv in that day's battle. "^ 

About liall-past three o'clock the 58th was relieved and 
moved back a short distance to the rear to replenish their 
cartridge boxes, having used up their sixty rounds during 
the four hours' engagement. A short time after this the 
musketr^' tiring practicallv ceased, but the artillery tiring 
continued until alter dark, and at intervals through the 
ni<rht. Niu-ht closed in on the tield of blood and carnaore, 
and a cold and bitter night it was. The held was covered 
with wounded and d^'ing, many of them l}'ing between tlie 
lines. We could hear their moans of distress and piteous 



* Extract from General Polk's (Confederate) report: 

■■'rile eiiem\' was now dri\en from the field at all points occupied hv him 
in the mornini^, aloni^ his whole front line from his right to the extreme left, 
and was pressed hack imtil our line occupied a position at right angles to 
that which we held at the opening of the battle. After passing the Xaslnille 
and M tirfreesboro turnpike, his flight was covered by large bodies of fresh 
troops and numerous batteries of artillerw and tiie adxance otour cxhauNti-d 
cohnnns was checked. 

■■His extreme left alone held its position. This occupied apiece of groimd 
well chosen antl defentied, the river lieing on the one hand and a deep rail- 
road cut on the other. It was held b\- a strong force of artiller\- and 
intantrv, well supported b\ a reserve, lom'posed ot' I5rigadier-( ieneral NVood's 
Division. 

■•Mv last reserve having been exhausted, the Brigades of Major-General 
llrcckinridge's Division, and a small Brigade of General J. K.. Jackson's 
]iosted to guard our right ttank, were the only troops left that had not been 
engaged. Four of these were ordered to report to me. They came in detach- 
ments of two Brigades each, the first arri\ing near two hours after Donel- 
son's attack, and the other about an hour after the first. The commanders 
of these detachments, the first composed of the Brigades of Generals Adams 
and Jackson, the seconti under CJeneral Breckinridge in person, consisting of 



ll>() 



CHAI'LAIX UKrHT'S HISTOKY OK THK 



calls for iVitnuls and for lu'lp, hut we could nol render 
an\' assistance. Such experience is horrihle and heartrend- 
ing, but such is war. 

There was much sutferino- that niglit also to the soldiers 
wli ) had passed through the battle unhurt. We were with- 
out blankets and could not be permitted to have lires, and 
weri' also short on rations, as the most of our supplies had 
been captured and destro\'ed b\' the rebels during tlie da\-. 
The 58th was on the iVont line again that night. We weri' 
in tlvj edgj of the little belt of timber across the railroad 
from where we had done our tighting tluring the tla\'. 
Nothing occurred to disturb the condition of things during 
the niijfht ; both sides were tired enoucfh to rest on their 
arms and remain quiet. About four o'clock in the morning 
we were relieved and moved back to the rear. 

Xew Year morning, 186^-;, was a bright and Ix'autiful 
beginning tor another ^•ear. The sun rose in majestic 
splendor, shedding its light upon all arountl. I'pon this 
lield ot battle the light revealed a scene ot' lion'or. It was 
covered with dead and dN'ing and with wrecks, and witli all 
the e\ idences ot a tremendous sanguinar\ contlict ot braxi- 
men. It also n'\-ealed great armies ot" men in battle lint." 
waiting to renew the c-onllict. And the waiting was not 
long. Soon alter sunrise there was a rapid increase in the 



llu' IJiii^acii's f)!' (ieneral Preston and Colonol I'alnu'i. hail poinliHl out to 
tlifin the particular object to i)e aicoinplished. to- w it, to dri\ e the eneniN's 
lel't, and especialh' to dislodije him tVoni iiis position in tiie Round Forest. 
L' nt'ortunateh the opjiortune moment tor jiuttini;; in tliese detaihments had 
passed. 

'"CouKl the\' ha\e heen thrown u]Min the eni'm\'s lell inimediattiv alter 
Chalmers' and l)oneNon'> assaults, in (juiik suiie->^ion, the extraordinarv 
sirenijtli of his position would has'e avaik'd him nothiuij;. That jioint would 
]ia\e heen carried, and his left heen liriven hack on his panic-stricken rii;hl, 
would have conipleled his confusion and insured an utter rout. It was, how- 
ever, otherwise, and the time lost between Donelson's attack and the coniin<i; 
up ot" these detachments in succession, enabled the enemv to recover his self- 
possession, to mass a number of heavy batteries, and concentrate a strou'j; 
infanti'v force on the position, and thrts make a successt\il attack ver\- dilfi- 
cull Nevertheless the Driytades ot" Adiuiis and Jackson assailed the enemy's 
liiu' with enerL(\ . an.i alter a severe contest were compelled to tall hack. 
Tliev well' promptly rallied In (Jeneral l?reckinrid<j;e. who. having pressed 
hi-« other Hrii^ades, reachei,! the ground at the moment, but asthcv wei'c much 
cut up tiiey were not required to riiuw the attack. " 



FN •TV-KKiH'I'll INDIANA IMMMMKNT. 121 

skirmish tirino- aci\)ss in the cedars, in front of' where the 
heaviest ho-hting had occurred AcstercUn'. It was evident 
the rebels were again massino- their forces at that point and 
were i^oing' to tr\- oiu" Hnes aj^ain. Soon we could hear ihi^ir 
\ell, which the\' o"a\'e ]")reparator\' to a char^-e. But we 
were read\' tor them this mornino-. A squad ot our cav- 
alr^■ was thrown out in front to draw them on to somi> 
masked batteries which we had in p()siti(>n. Tht.- ruse was 
successful. On tluw i"ame \ellino; like savaif*^'^ alter otu" 
retreatinir cavalrv. It was rare fun to see them nm. the\- 
no doubt were thinkini^;. but the fun was not so rare when, 
alter the rebels had emero-ed trom the woods, three of oin" 
liatteries opened u]i on thiMii with chmble charo-es ot Li;rape 
and canister. The enem\- was literalh' mown down b\- tliis 
murderous Hre, and wert' onh- too o-lad to return a^'ain to the 
shelter of the timber, leaving; their dead and woimded 
In'hind. 

This fierce onset, which at fu'st appeared to foreshadow a 
rvMiewal of the general engagement, was probablv onh' in- 
tended bv tiie rebels as a feeler to see wdiether Rosecrans' 
army was still there or w^hether it was on the retreat to 
Nashville. At any rate, the rebels were satisfied with the 
information gained bv this earlv morning sortie. With the 
exception of skirmish firing, whicli contintied all da\', 
amounting at times almost to a regular engagement, nothing 
ol importance occurred during Thursdav. The 58lh re- 
mained in the same position tluw h(,dd in the morning, a 
short distance in the rear of the front line, near the turn- 
pike. At night we built fires and prepared coflee. We 
were told that we would be permitted to rest that night. 
This was welcome news, as we had been in front for the 
past forty-eight hours without a chance for sleep or rest. 
The boys were soon fixed in as comfortable beds as the 
circumstances wotild allow, and were sleeping in utter dis- 
regard of all about them. But it would have been contrar\- 
to all military rule for tliis kind of enjovment to last, so far as 
the 58tli had experience with tliis rule. About eiglit o'clock 



121' CIlAri-AIX IlKiliT'S lllSTOlfY OK TIIM 

we \v(N'o arousod. bv an ordorh', from our dreams. A\'e wore 
told to pack knapsacks and f^et in readiness to march imme- 
diately and without any noise. This was an exceedingly 
disagreeable order, but there was a general beliet' that it was 
necessary and it was a soldier's dutv to obey without grum- 
bling. We were soon in line and moved out alter oiu" com- 
mander, not yet knowing whither we were going. Alter a 
little march we knew what it w^as all for — we were to relieve 
the Pioneer Brigade, who were on f)utpost duty on the right 
ot the Murfreesboro pike. Our coming was a great gratifi- 
cation to them, as thev had been in the front forty-eight 
hours. We were, however, not in any better condition in 
that regard. A line of skirmishers was advanced and the 
rest of the Regiment lay dovv^i upon their arms for th(^ 
remainder of the night. 

January 2. — Shortly at"ter dawn of day our skirmishers 
and the rebel sharpshooters became engaged in a sharp 
fight, which for a time indicated a general engagement, but 
they soon quieted down again. A short time after sunrise 
this morning occurred an artiller^^ duel that was unequaled 
by anything in that line heretofore. The enemy had repeat- 
edly been makinp- some demonstrations in our front since 
daylight. They had been Hring random shots from a com- 
manding position immediately in front of Loomis' Ixittery, 
posted on tin* left of the turnpike, and Mstep's 8th Indiana 
Battery on the right of the pike and to the left of the 58tli. 
These shots were responded to b}- our Batteries w hich also 
tired vigorously at the hiding places of the rebcd sliarpshool- 
ers, who were very annoying. Suddenly tlie small skirl ot 
woods, about 400 yards in our front, was enveloped in a 
dense clone! of smoke, and the air was tilled with deadly 
missiles, hurled from the rebel batteries, which had lieen 
massed there during tlie preceding night. It was now 
apparent that they had been deco>-ing a fire iVom our bat- 
teries until the^• got the range, and then they opened tire 
with a territic \-olle\-. ^Fhe elfecl uj")on our batteries was 
terribk'. Tlie ginis from Loomis' and Estep's batteries 



FIFTV-KKiliTH IXIMANA h'Kii I M KNT. 12.'5 

roplit'cl vijj^orouslv to the murderous \•()lle^', but thrir position 
was too much exposed and they had to retire. Tliey moviul 
back behind the crest ot" a little knoll with considerable loss. 
Estep lost one man, killed, and several wounded, also the 
killing and disabling of nearly one-half of his horses, so tliat 
he was compelled lo lea\'e man\- of iiis guns on the lield. 
These were subsequenth- taken oil" b\- th'> men, [\r: 58th 
assistintjf in the work. 

Loomis also sustained a heavy loss, but was successtal in 
retirino- with his n-uns. Otlier batteries were sent to their 
support, and Loomis again took a position in the rear of the 
58th, who were lying down. A simultaneous volley was 
sent from three batteries behind us. For about half an hour 
the exchange of shot between the contending artillery passed 
over our Regiment, making the very earth shake and quiver. 
Likewise the boys of the 58th, who were hugging the earth 
for dear life. The screaming and roaring of shot and shell 
was terrible. To add to this horror a rammer from one of 
the guns behind us was sent hurling toward the rebels, but 
it broke in twain and one piece landed on either flank of our 
Regiment. It was a very uncomfortable situation to be in, 
but it did not last lono-. The work of our batteries soon 
eftectually silenced the rebels and they ceased firing. One 
man of the 58th was wounded by a shell during this engage- 
ment. 

Picket firing was kept up during tin' f,)renoon. the sharp- 
shooters of the enemy being especially bold at times. Tliey 
woidd advance in tull view of our lines, and were several 
times repulsed and driven back. One old building in our 
front was occupied by the enemy's sharpshooters who 
were very troublesome. The^• were expert marksmen and 
they sent their shots dangerously close to the head of every 
man in sij^ht. Loomis sent one of his Parrett ijuns forward 
and trained it upon the old house. The first shot exploded 
a shell in the house and the rebel sharpshoot^^rs troubled us 
no more from that place. Tint there were several posted in 
trees along their tront and they were in good positions to 



12-1. CHAIM-AIX lIKillT'S IllSTOl.'V OF TllK 

]-)ick oil' our men. The h{)\s of our RogimiMit soon lound 
that it was exceedinglv dangerous to raise a head, and spent 
the day lying flat upon the cold damp ground. 

'i'hus events continued until about three o'clock in the 
atiernoon. when it became evident from the increasing heav\' 
skirmishing o\'er on oiu^ left that the enem^■ were contem- 
plating an assaidt upon our lett wing. About tour o" clock 
\nn Cleves Division, which was in jiosition across Stone 
River to our left, was suddenh- and furiously attacked b\' 
Breckinridge. vSo tierce was the assault that oiu" troops 
were driven back to the river. Other troops were sent 
li'om the center to suppcnn \ an Cleve. and as soon as 
they could get across the river the n'bel advance was 
checked. Our artiller\- posted on this side of the rivc>r 
aho aided in the work and assisted in dri\ing the I'ebels 
back. 

While the Ixittle was still raging, \\'o<)d"s Dixision (now 
under command of General Hascall. on account of the dis- 
abling of (xeneral Wood in ihv tirst da\"s battle,) was ordertnl 
to cross the river. TUv 5<St!i was relieved tVom the position 
we held on tlie tVont Hue, across the pike, and joined the 
liriifade, now in command of Colonel I->uell. Lieutenant- 
Colonel iMidiree was now in command ot' the Reginu'nt. 
W^e crossed the river and took )")osition in line on the lell, 
relieving troops that had sustained severe loss in the fight. 
By this time it was (|uite dark and the tiring soon after 
ceased. Again the 58th was placed on the trout line which 
we held that night. 

Saturday, January 3. — T'his morning we had one box 
of crackers for the Regiment. Colonel Endiree passt'd along 
the line telling tiie bo\'s that this was all that could be liad, 
but begged them to bear up and be coiu-ageous tor awhile 
longer, when xictorv and jilentx' ot i^alions would be ours. 
Allliough the bo\s WH're well idgii worn out with tatigiu- 
and hunger, \c\ tlu'\- ri'spondinl to this appeal with c!i(H>rs, 
iiidicating that tlu'\- could be relied on to sta\' with the light 
until the linish. 



fifty-ei(;htii india.na in:(iiMKXT. 



12; 



This morning- some ot" our skirmishers discovered an old lo<^ 
house, about mid\va\- between the lines, in which there was 
stored a (|uantitv of tVesh meat. Our appetite was so whet- 
ted b\- this discover\- that, without any orders, we charged on 
the house and held the rebels at bay while we supplied our- 
selves. Bullets were whistlino- about oiu^ ears in a \ ery 
livelv fashion while we were on this expedition, but we did 
not mind a little thing like that, when there was a chance ol 
getting all the tresh salted pork we could carry otY. It was 
an interesting sight to sei' the boys, each with a sidt> ot 
bacon oi- a ham on his bayonet, skipping across the open 
held while the rebel bullets were cutting on all sides. But 
•5,-,^ we obtained J^lent^' of pork to eat with 

our crackers, notwithstanding. 

The da^' passed without anything 
more serious than skirmish fighting. 
It rained nearh' all (Ia\-. and at night 
the river was running last, tiu-eatening 
to become unfordable. It was teared 
b\- General Crittenden, that the rebels 
might take advantage of the isolated 
]iosition of the left wing and attack us 
that night, in which case we would be 
in a critical situation. So we were aroused abovit twelve 
o'clock and began recrossing Stone River. We had to 
wade the swift running stream vip to our waists and were in 
great danger of losing our footing and going down stream. 
About two o'clock a. m. we arrived at a position near Gen«- 
eral Rosecrans' headquarters, about a mile in rear of our 
tVont line. We were thoroughh- wet and covered with 
mud. but we were now where we could build tires and were 
not long in availing ourselves of the privilege of drving oiu" 
clothes and warming our thoroughlv chilled bodies. 




JOIIX M. SToRMOXT, 

Company B. 



* Mustered in at Camp Gibson; re-enlisted in 1S64 and served until the 
close ot" the war, beinij mustered out July 21, 1865. as Corporal. Since the 
war his principal avocation has been farming, in which he has been success- 
ful. He is now living on his farm near Princeton, Indiana, and i-- an active 
member <>f \\\\^ P\ihlisliinir C'omniittre. 



126 



CHAPLAIX HIGHT'S HTSTOKY OF THE 



Sunday. Jamakv 4. — It was a bright ; i:n that shed its 
ravs upon the field ot Stone River this morning, but the sun was 
an hour or more on its way betore the 58th was conscious of 
its appearance and movements. P^vervthing was strangclv 
quiet along our tront this Sabbath morning, and we wondered 
at it. The explanation soon came. The rebels had evacu- 
ated Murlreesboro last night and l^ragg's arm\- was now in 
tuU retreat. The reception ot^ this news was the signal tor 
hearty cheers and the wildest demonstrations ot" jov bv our 
men. After a long struggle the victorv was ours. It was a 
day of rejoicing all over the loyal part of the country because 
of this victorv of Rosecrans' armv. 

But the rejoicing was tinged with sorrow, on accovml of 
the noble lives that had been sacrificed to gain this victorA. 
The casualties of the 5Sth in this battle are as follows: 

LIST OF KILLED ANJ) WOUXDEl). 



COMPAXr A. 

Kii-LEi) — Serircant William McGarv. rri\atos: Elias Skclton. Joscpli 
Reavis, Alfred H. Enclicott. Alfred Traftser, James B. Drvsdale, Georj^e 
Hurclifield. 

WouNi)r;r) — Lieutenant and Regimental Adjutant, (."lias. C. Wiiitiuij;: 
Corporal Abner M. Bryant. Privates: Joseph N. Davis, George Willis. 
Wylie Knowles, Jesse Knovvlcs, John Crow, Moses C. Witherspoon. S\l- 
vester Minnis, Stephen \'. \\\\\ . William '1". \\'ithersji()()n. Henr\- Beek. 
Cieorge Iluteliinson. 

COM PAS )' B. 

Kii.LKi) — Pri\ate Joim \'an\\'a.;i;ner. 
• Wounded — Corporal R. M. Lueas. Privates: Knocii Lowe. Robert 
Parker, John M. .Stormont, R. D. Smith, John R. Sprowl, John Ilediicks, 
John Baldwin, James Coehran, Green B. Yeagtr. W. L. Sprowl. P.. A. 
fyowrv, Daniel Rea\is (at Lavergne), Jesse \\'a!ki'r. James \\'. Curry, 
(taken prisoner and died in prison). 

CUM I' AX )' C. 

Kri.i.i'.i) — Privates: James Hall, ilenry Trusty. Sebeiii Roberls, Rolurt 
Chew. CJeorge W. Ah is. David II oak. 

WorxDED — Captain W. A, Dow nc\ , Orderlv Sergeant P. N. Spain; 
Corporals John Johnson, Simpson Dve, Lzekiel lladloek. Privates: llai- 
rison 'I'. Wright. Albert R. Woods, J, (;. Crosi.r, John V. I'liillips 



FIFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA RECJIMENT. ll'7 

COMPANl' D. 

Killed — Private: Henry Curl, Abraham Jones. 

Wounded — Captain (ieorge Whitman; Sergeant;^ N\'. A. Muiiford, 
Willis M. Coleman. David J. Davis, D. C. Barrett. Privates: Thomas 
Duncan, Leander Christmas, Johnson Wheeler, James Anderson, Daniel 
\'an Winkle. James Cunningham, Alexander II. Cockrum, John Xorrick. 

COMPANY E. 

Killed — Lieutenant P'rancis B. Blackford. 

W(nxnED — Captain A. II. Alexander, Orderly Sergeant John P. Nor- 
man. Privates: Elijah A. Black, Zach. Pierce, Sam'l Hunt, Harbin Hughes. 

COM PAX r F. 

Killed — Private Henry McCoy. 

Wounded — Orderly Sergeant Lycurgus C. Mason; Sergeants Hugh J. 
P>arnelt, Isaac A. Hopkins; Corporal John W. Emmerson. Privates: John 
Brownlee, Leander Cle\cland, William T. Sanders, John Richardson, Rob- 
ert R. Honeycut. 

COMPANY G. 

Killed — Private Noah Miller. 

Wounded — Sergeant Robert J. Brown. Privates: Henry Brenton, 
John A. Borders, Perry Amos, Milton Holder. Harrison Whaley. 

COMPANY //. 

Killed — Corporal John II. Groves. Privates: Joseph L. Newman. 
Andrew Cunningham. 

Wounded — Corporal James Woods, Lieutenant William Adams. Pri- 
vate ^^'illiam Kendall. 

COMPANY I. 

Killed — Corporals .Mexander W. McDonald. George W. Ent. l'ri\ate 
Franklin Twitty. 

Wounded — Corporals Cieorge Van, George W. Martin, VanBuren 
Mead; Sergeant W. L. Shower. Privates: Josiah Miley, W. Doads, Lewis 
Stallings, Joab Mead, Samuel E. Blair, Francis M. Smith, Geo. Williamson. 

COMPANY K. 
Killed — Privates: Alfred Goodman, Alfred Noe. 

Wounded — Color Sergeant Jesse B. Miller; Sergeants Jolm ^V. Pace. 
George W. Wilder. Privates: William Young, James Bohanan. 

TO TA L CA S UA L TIES. 

Total etfecti\c force, officers and men, of the Regiment engaged in the 
battle. 410. 

Killed and ;uortally wounded. ._ 27 

Wounded and discharged .. i ;; 

Other wounded 7.1 

Prisoners. G 

Total ..i>j 



CHAPTER XI 



Ix Camp at Miki-reksboro — Rkor(;axiza'itc>n of the 
.\raiv — Drill, Picket Dltv and Fora(;in(; — Exjov- 
ixG Camp Life — A Military Executiox — Closj^ 
Call for a 58T11 Deserter — Aim^eal of 'imie Offi- 
cers Pre\'Ails — Pardoxp:]) uv the Pkesioexp — 
Plans for a Ri:(;imextal ?*1oximi:xt Pickfixtei). 



1 V 1 in<!" 1 



• AA'. jaiurarv 5th, we entered MiirtVet\sli()r(). tiiul- 
it lull of wounded. We also found some ol our 
men, who had been taken jirisoners durini;" tln> fii"st da\"s tijL;"hl 
and had been paroled h\ the rebels. A\'e jiassiMl ihi'ono-h the 
town and took up our old position on the letl. Dt'tails \\(^re 
sent out over the battletield to bur\- the death 'I'he PioncHM- 
Bricrade was set to work to n^jiair llu> railroad brido'e aeross 
Stone Ri\er, so that supplies mio-ht l-)e brouij^ht iVom \ash- 
\-i11e. It was ascertained that Bra^'g's arm\- had n-tired to 
Talhih tail and Shelbvville, but th > road> w.M'e bid. and th.^ 
ditlieult\- of (^-etlinj;- supplies made it imjiracticable tor our 
arm\- to follow them. 80 we settled down to t-amp lit'e.and 
bciran recruit in<»- oiu" depletcnl ranks. 

In obedience to orders from the Wdv De]-)artmvMU . a i^en- 
eral reorganization of the arm\' took place at this time. 
What was formerlv kntnvn as the "Lith Army Corjis" was 
chan<^ed to "The Department of the CumbtM"laml,"' or was 
more oHMieralh' calUnl the Army of the Cumln'rland. The 
three irrand divisions of lliis armv, luMH>totori> desiofnated as 
the Ri<fht Winof, Center and Left A\'in(j;-, weri> now desiir- 
nated as the 20th Corps, 14th Corjis, and 21st Corjis, com- 



FrFTV-KKiirni IXDIAW IJKCilMKX'l'. IL",) 

niaiuled respectiveh' b\' (jcnerals IVIcCook, Thoma.s aiul 
Crittenden. The se\-eral l)i\isions and Brigades in each 
Coi'jis were also numbered ditlerenth', the number beginning 
at one in each case. According to this new arrangement 
the I)i\ isions and JJrigades in the 2ist Corps, commandeil 
bN- (General Critli-'nden, were numl>ered as lollows: 

I'^irst I)i\ision ( tormerh' Olh) commanded b\- Cieneral 
Wood. 

Second Division (lormerh- _}.th) commanded 1")\- General 
Palmer. 

'I'hird Di\ision (t'ormei-h- 5th) commanded b\- (ieneral 
\'an Clex'e. 

Th'.' Brigades ol ilie First Dixision were numbered as t'ol- 
lows : 

First lirigade. (lormerlv 15th) in whicii was the 5Sth, 
commanded b\- Ct)lonel F\-tle (vice Ilascall.) 

Second Brigade (lormerlv 2 1st), commanded h\ General 
\\ agner. 

Third I>rigade ( lormcM'h' 20th. commanded b\- General 
Cjrartield), commanded b\- Colonel Ilarker. 

Rosecrans" arnu' took position in tVont ot the town, with 
the right ;nul left wings thrown considerably to the rear, 
almost completing the torm of a semi-circle. General 
McCook occupied the position near the Shelbxville and 
Salem pikes : General Thomas tVonting eastward tow ;ird 
McMinnville and Tullaboma ; General Crittenden took a posi- 
tion near the Liberty pike facing ea>t. The left of General 
Wooers Division rested on tlie Lebanon pike. General \'an 
Cleve being on the left of the jiike, connecting with Woods 
lefi. Our Brigade (the First) was on the left of Wood's 
Division, and was tiieret'ore located near the Lebanon \V\kv. 
Pickets were thrown well to the tVont, with strong i-a\alr\- 
videttes on the pike. A line of breastworks was tin-own up 
along the entire Ironl, so tliat we might be in a condition to 
resist an attack, ot which tiiere was some apjirehension. 

Alter we were settled down in our regular camp, where 
everything was kept clean and healthful, we began to 



180 



CHAIM.AIN 1II(;HT'S HiSTOia OK Till-: 



take on new lite. Those ot our Regiment who had been 
sick or convalescent rapidly improved. The spirits of the 
men became more bouyant than ever. With the opening of 
spring the improvement of the men became still more 
marked. The camp was full of life. There was a great 
deal of jov and hilarity prevalent, and much amusement 
indulged in. But it was not all frivolity and profitless pas- 
time that occupied the men of the 58th. Many of them 
emploved the time in learning to read and write, having been 
denied these educational advantages at home. Strange as it 
mav seem, there was a large number of men in all Regi- 
ments who could not write their own letters, nor read those 
receiv^ed from loved ones at home. Until the^' became sol- 
diers and were separated from home and friends, these men 
had not known the need of this acquirement. Now they 
knew the lack of an education, to their sorrow. So it was 
that when an opportiinil\' was aflbrded them at this camp, to 
learn to write and read writing, nearly all availed themselves 
of it. Instruction was given regiilarh^ bv the Chaplain 
and a number of members of the Regiment, who had the 
ability to do so. The consequence was, that when the Regi- 
ment left that camp there was scarcelv an\- who could not 
write and read his own letters. 

We spent a great deal of time drilling while here. We 
also had some foraging to do. This was no small business, 
either. It was necessarv to go manv miles alter forage, and 
then there was danger of a conflict with the numerous bands 
ot rebel cavalrv that were hoverin<if arountl in tlie vicinit\' ot' 
our outposts. It thus became necessarv to send a strong 
guard with these toraging trains. The First Division went 
out, on the first of March, on an expedition of this kind, 
which required three da\'s. We brought in a long train of 
wagons loaded with corn, ha\'. tbdder. bacon, jiolatot's. etc.. 
as the result of oiu" tri]-). 

As the season advanced tiie sun became liot, and as the 
camps were all in the open fields, it was quite unpleasant. 
So the order was given to erect temjiorarx- sheds, covered 



FlFTV-KKiHTll INDIANA IJKlilMKNT. 1 .! 1 

with (.-echu" brush, as a sh<,'kcr tVom the sun. 'I^liis was clone, 
and we soon had very comfortable quarters. 

It has been noted in tliese pages that a great man}^ desei- 
tions occurred while the arm}- of General Buell was in Ken- 
tucky. The 58th had several cases of this kind. President 
Lincoln, by proclamation, offered amnestv to all deserters 
who would return to their commands before the Hrst of April. 
A very large number accepted this ofler. and the arm\- was 
increased considerabh- b\' their \'oluntar\- reliuMi to dut\'. 
The good feeling and spirit of the army was also much 
affected by this leniency manifested bv the Commander-in- 
Chief. 

\h\i tiiere were many deserters wlio did not return luider 
this proclamation. Several of these were arrested and sent 
to their commands, to be tried by court martial, and most of 
them were subject to severe penalty. A soldier belonging 
to the 9th Kentucky, of Van CIe\e's Division, was executed 
near our camp, June sixteenth. 

I went to see this execution, as did man\- others iVom our 
Regiment. The attendance of the Division, to which the 
prisoner belcjnged, was compulsor\'. It was drawn up in 
the form of three sick^s of a hollow square, on the left of the 
turnpike, beyond Spence's house, with a large number ot" 
spectators, on foot and mounted, assembled behind the 
troops. The affair was a most pitifid and sickening- 
sight, and one wiiicli it was hard to banish from mv mind. 
The sight of one military execution is enough to satisf\- the 
ctiriosity of any one who has not a heart of stone. Let me 
attempt to describe this one : 

The prisoner leaning on the arm of an officer, preceded 
by an armed escort, a silver band and his coffin, and fol- 
lowed by the squad of executioners and Chaplain, soon 
made his appearance. Turning the right flank, inside of the 
hollow square, he was conducted around the inside with 
funeral music. Arriving about the center of the open side 
his coffin was placed on the ground. His sentence was read 
to him. His Company came in and bade him farewell. A 



1:}L> CllAlM.AIN HKiMT'S HISTOIJV OF I'lii; 

linn' was spent in pra\(.T — the j')ris()ner kneelinj^' oxer his 
eoHhi. lie was then seated on it ; one took a w hite hand- 
kerchief and phiced it over his eves. He manifested no 
agitation. The ceremonies were ver^' solemn. Many 
turned their eyes down the pike, li()):)ini^ some messenger 
would come, bringing a pardon, but none came. Ma}' w'e 
hope that a message of pardon from a better land, came 
in answer to his praver. The pall bearers and all left the 
prisoner sitting on his coffin. Tlie signal was given. One 
gun tired. It seemed to have missed him. Then two tired. 
He fell over his coffin. Tlien they all tired, irregularly. 
The tiring was most shocking ; all should ha\'e tired at once. 
The poor fellow died without a struggle. The Division 
marched past him. He was then placed in his cotTm. A 
hole was dug. Wher(> he died, he was buried. l^hiis 
pavssed one himian b(.>ing troni earthlv st-enes. His crime 
wa.s desertion. 

"^rhree citizens were hung not tar tVom our camp hv order 
of (leneral Rosecrans. Thev were guilt\' of the murder ol 
an old citizen near the town, some time prior to oiu" coming. 
Several of otu* Regiment went to see the exectition, which 
was in an open tield in lull view ot the camps. 

The ^Sth had se\-eral tard\' deserters who were court mar- 
tialed here, and subjected to variotis kinds ot punishment, 
but onlv one who was sentenced to be shot. Richard Hem- 
bree, of Companx' K. was that untortunale one. His sen- 
tence was read to liim about ii o'clock, Sunda}', June 21 : 
the execution was to take jilace between twelve and three 
o'clock, Monda\'. Tiie aniu)uncement ol this sentence 
created great consternation among oflicers and men. 

It is safe to sav that no event occurred during our entire 
service tip to this time, that stirred the sympathies and teel- 
ings of the men so nuu'h as did this announcement, thai 
came so suddenlv and unexpectedly. Becatise ol this teel- 
iniT, and the imivei'sal interest that the incident e.xcited at 
the time, is a suflicient justitication for giving the full details 
here. 



fifty-ki(;htii Indiana iJE(iniKNT. i.!:; 

Following- is ;i c )]')V of the oOicial dociinu'iU lluU was 
handed lo Adjutanl C C. Whiting by an orderly iVoin 
Division Ileadqnarters, about ten o'cdock ot the day men- 
tioned : 

lIlCAUcy^ ARTKRS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND. / 

Ml RFREESBORo, Tenn., June gth, 1863. ) 
General Orders / 
No. 137. \ 

I. At a general court martial, which con\ened at MiirtVeesboro, Tenn.. 
on the first day of May. 1S63, pursuant to Special Orders No. 38, from head- 
quarters 1st Division, 21st Armv Corps, Department of the Cumberland, and 
of which Lieutenant-Colonel R. C. Brown. 46th Rejriment O. \". 1.. i^ jires- 
ident, was arraigned and tried. 

1st, Richard llembreo, a private of Company E, s^th Rcgimenl huii.ma 
\'olunteer Int'antr\-, on the tbilow iiig charge and specification: 
Charge, desertion. 

Specification. — In this, that private Richani llenihrec, of Company \i, 
5Sth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, licing duly enlisted in the serv- 
ice of the l.'nited States, did desert the service of the L'nited States. Ids said 
Company and Regiment then and there being in constant expectation of bat- 
tle; all this near Perryville, K\-., on or about the seventh day ot" Octolxr, 
iS6j. And the said Richard llembreo did remain absent until tlie eleventh 
dav of Mav, 1S63, when he was dulv arrested and brought to his Reginu'iU. 

To which charge and specification the accused plead as. follows: 

'i'o the specification, guilty: to the charge, guilty. 

Findings of the court. — Of the specification, ginJtv ; of the charge, guiltv. 

Sentence. — Ami the court do therefore sentence liim, Private Richard 
llembree, of Companv 1',, ^Sth Regiment Iniliana X'olunteer Intantrv, to l)e 
shot to death, at such time and jilace as the commanding Cieneral mav 
.direct, tvvo-third> ot' tjie members of the coiut concurring therein. 

II. The proceedings of the court in the case ol' Private Riihard ilem- 
biee. Company K, 58th Regiment Indiana \'olunteei- I nfant ry. was a|iproveti. 
The sentence will be carried into execution under tlie direction of the Com- 
mander of the Division in which his Regiment is serving, on Mondav, the 
22d day of June, 1S63, between the hours of twelve m. and three p. m. 

I>v command of MajorCieneral Rosecrans. 

C. (iODDARD. 
Officiai,: Assistant .\djutant (ieneral. 

A. THRALL. 

Assistant Adjutant (ieneral. 

Adjutant Whiting, after having intbrmed Cok)nel Buell 
and Lieutenant-Colonel Embree of the contents of this order, 
proceeded to the Regimental guard house, where llembree 



l.il (IIAIM-AIN HKiHT'S IIISTOI.'V OK THK 

was contiiK'd, and read to iho jirisoner the court's sentenee 
and order tor his execution, and made a detail of guards to 
con\e\- him to Division headc^uarters. When the order was 
read to him. Hembree was astounded, and utterly unable to 
comprehend the tuU meaning of the terrible fate that was 
awaiting him. It was some time before he could fully real- 
ize his situation. Adjutant Whiting told him that Colonels 
Buell and Embree were going to intercede for him with 
General Rosecrans, and that everything possible would be 
don2 to save his life. With this assurance, Hembree became 
somewhat more reconciled and soon announced his readiness 
to go with the guard to Division headquarters. 

In the meantime Colonels Buell and Embree had set about 
getting a reprieve for the prisoner, or at least a commutation 
of his sentence. They w^ent together to General Rosecrans" 
headquarters, but as he was at church did not liave an oppor- 
tunitv of seeing him. An appointment was made, however, 
throucfh General Tames A. Gartield, Chief of Statf, bv w4iich 
thev were to meet the commanding General at three p. m. 
At the appointed hour they returned and presented their 
case. General Rosecrans heard them, but did not evince 
much sympathy with their plea, in fact, he rather discouraged 
liie hope of anv change of the decree of the court. Failing 
to get trom General Rosecrans any assurance that he would 
revoke the order, Buell and Embree returned to the Regi- 
ment. Colonel Buell was disposed to abandon the case as 
hopeless, but Colonel Embree was not willing yet to give it 
up. By profession he was an attorney, and his experience as 
an advocate gave him a strong ad\ antage in a pleading of 
ihis kind. He resolved to bring all his skill as a lawyer and 
liis power as an advocate to bear, in an effort to save the life 
of this man. He again repaired to General Rosecrans' 
headquarters, and, through the intercession of General Gar- 
lield, a ]x>rsonal friend of Colonel Embree, secured another 
audience with the commanding General. This interview 
lasted about an hour, during which Colonel Embree pressed 
his suit with all the ardor of which he was capable. Rose- 



FlFTY-KKiH 111 INDIANA KE(i 1 M KN'i'. i:!:> 

crans listened willi nit)re interest than at tirst. and e\en com- 
plimented Colonel Embree on his ability as a lawyer, and 
especially uj-)on liis earnestness in pleadino- this ca^■e. He 
tin ally said : 

"Colonel Embree, you <,a) back to your Regiment, o-ft up 
a paper embodying all that you plead on behalf ot' this pris- 
oner, and haye the same signed by all the officers of your 
Regiment. Bring this paper to me, and I will see what can 
be done." 

With this encouraging hope to inspire him. Colonel 
Embree returned to the Regiment and at once prepared his 
appeal. By this time it was after dark, and before the appeal 
could be written up and put in shape for signatures most of 
the officers had retired. However, Adjutant Whiting took 
the paper and visited each of the officers, whose names 
were desired, at their quarters, arousing them and secur- 
ing their signatures. At an early hour Monday morn- 
ing the work was completed. With a confident heart. 
Colonel Embree started, after an early breakfast, with the 
appeal to General Rosecrans' headquarters. 

Although there was a belief among the officers and men 
of the 58th that the execution would be postponed, at least. 
yet there w^as no positive assurance of this. So, the forent)on 
of Monday was passed in anxious suspense, waiting to hear 
what action General Rosecrans would take. The condition 
of mind of the poor convicted prisoner was, of course, more 
miserable than that of his comrades, during these long hours 
of suspense. As Regimental Chaplain, it was my duty to 
visit him and otier him such spiritual advice as I could. I 
I'ound him at Division headquarters, in charge ol the pro\ osi 
guard, soon after his removal to that place. The officer in 
charge was very kind to him and to me, extending all the 
privileges that w^as possible under the circumstances. At 
my first visit I told Hembree that we would do all we could 
for him, but urged him to examine his preparation tor death. 
He cont'essed that he was not ready for eternity, and seemed 
to be deeply sensible of his condition. At a late hour in the 



I.'.t; CHAFLAIX RIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE 

evening I called again, prayed with him and pointed him to 
the Savior as well as I could, then left him to spend a mis- 
erable night of anxietv. At ten o'clock J\londay morning I 
called again. Hembrec now professed a belief in the ]-)ardon 
of his sins and a readiness to meet death. lie was still 
unconscious as to his fate, but was now seemingU- resigned 
io meet whatev^er might be awaiting him. 

At one o'clock p. m. the otlicers of the Regiment were 
called together to hear the result of their petition. General 
Wood disapproved of the commutation of the sentence, but 
apprv>ved of the plea tor an extension of the time. 

General Critteiulen did not commit liimself stronijh- either 
way, but talked rather more favorablv for the prisoner. 

General Rosecrans argued against the petition, but admit- 
tetl sexeral points well taken. Incidentallv, he gave the 
petitioners a jtist rebuke for going into battle unprepared lor 
(K'atli. He. however, conchided to grant a reprieve luilil 
the will ot the President could be known. 

(ieneral WOod notified Ilembree of the decision, and of 
coursi* we were all greatK' relitwed. We know that Pi'esi- 
di'nl Lincoln has a tender lieart, aiul the jirobabilitv is that 
Ilendiree will be pardoned. 



The lollowing is a coj)\' ot the otlicial documents in this 
case, including the appeal ol the Regimental otlicers, the 
several <.'ndorsements ot the commanding Cienerals, tlu' 
o;")inion ot ftidgt.'- Advocate Holt, and the final endorsment 
of a lull ]:)ardon, b\' President Lincoln: ■'■ 



*•" These papers were not found witli Chaplain lli<^lit's manuscript, but a 
copy was recently obtained iVom the ^^'ar Department. 'IMiey are f^iven a 
]>lace in the body ot" this work, rather than in toot notes or in an appendix. 
i)ecause it seoned more appropriate in order to till out tiie complete histors' 
ot' this incident in our Reij;imental history, an incident tliat made so deep an 
impression in tlie memory ot" every one with the Regiment at the time. In 
this connection, it may be stated, that this Richard Ilembree lived to ser\ e 
hi.s term of enlistmeiU. and is siill li\in'.i at the time thi- is published, — 
TG. R. S, 



F I FT Y-E Kill r li INDIA N A i; F( i I .M F X T . 1 •! 7 

J.y APPEAL f\ BEHALF OF RICH API) 1/ EMI! PEE. 

Lami' Fii TV-EKJit rii Indiana X'ci.i n i i.kks. . 
FiK^r Bkicadi:. First 1)i\ ision, 'I'wf.ntv-iiks r Ai<m"i Cokts, • 

juno J 1st, 1S63. \ 

C. (ioddarcL Liciitonnil - C oloinl ami A.^sislaiit A(/ / ii/n n I -< r ciicrd/. Di'fa rf ■ 

nioit of the (' II mbrrla 11(1 : 

Sir: 'J'hc un^^l.•l•^i^■IU•^i. commissioned otlu-crs ot'llu'^Slh RcLiinu'iit Indi- 
an;i \'olun toiTs. desire re>-)>eet'ull \- to tender this, ihcir ;ippe;il in liehait ol 
Kiehani Ilemhiee. prixate otCompanv E of saiii Regiment, who. liv (ien- 
eiMl Orders No. 137. is sentenced to he sliot to deatli hetween tlie houfs of 
twelve 111. and three p. m. on to-inonow. the 2.1a instant. 

We would respecttidlv represent that the prisoner, at the time lie ahsented 
himself from his Regiment, did not do so tor the purpose ot' deseitini; the 
service, hut, on the contrarx. -vvas taken sii-k on the tenth chi\ ct ()c!ol>tr. 
i86j. and was unahle to niarcli with his Company; he fell iiack. on the 
mai'ch. was oxertaken h\- the wa^on train, and heinu; unahle to carry hi- liun 
and accoutrements, jilaced them in a wa^on and undertook 'o keep up with 
the train (no one hein<r allowed to riile on the \\ aL^ons In this his strengtli 
failed him. and he was compelled to stop hv the wayside. He lemained at a 
house near the road until the iith of Octoher. when the army had passed on 
before him, and he wa- in a land of strani;ers; we mi'j;ht sa\- a l.ind ol' ene- 
mies. It was then that tlu' thou'^ht ot'ijjoini; home lirst oci'urred to him, and 
under the circumstances he imlortimateh' \ iehied and I'ommittcd. techiiic- 
all\ . the crime ol' desertion. 

It will he noticed that tiie specilication states tliat Ilemhree descried on 
the 7th, which was the tia\- pi-c\ious to the battle ofChajilin lliils. wlien hat- 
tic was momentarilv exjiected. This was a mistake, as he tlid not fall behind 
his Rej^iment until the lotli of Octoher. and did not desert until the iith, 
when, if we remember correctlv. there was no apprehension of an immediate 
cn<jay;ement » 

Ilemhree is a man of little, wc mii^ht sa\' of no information ru- cducalion. 
trustiiii^ anci confiding in his disposition, remembering the high estimation 
in which human lite is regarded in times of peace w hen there is no jiuhlic 
danger. 1 !<- ]-)lead giiilt\- to the I'liarges and specifications, thus preventing 
investigation and production of testimony, or evidence of the tacts in mitiga- 
tion, which we know have been in like cases of such vital importance to the 
prisoner. 

Had his plea been "not guilt\ ." we are confident that his sentence would 
not lia\ e been so terrible. 

At the time Richard llcmbrec is charged with haxing deserted, it will be 
remembered that th.e army, then under command of (ieneral IJuell. was, ,ind 
for a long time had been, dailv weakening bv desertion. Almost whole Reg- 
iments had deserted at Louis\ille, and officers high in command, wearing the 
insignia of office and authority, had set before privates the example of deser- 
tion. The law then was the same that it is to-day: yet none had been seri- 
ously punished — hardly punished at all. When brought to their Regiments, 
they were returned to duty almost without censure. 



138 



CHAI'LAIX MIGHT'S HlSTOh'V OK THK 



Is it strant;e tliat an ignorant man. tired, tbot-soit' and sick. aUinc in an 
oncinv's c()unlr\- 'c()ni]iaratively), thinkinjf of iiis wile and little ones at 
home, ^hou!d he intluenced hv such examples.' 

It nia\' be answered that it had been published and declared that the pen- 
alty for desertion was death! Ves; that is true. Vet desertion had for 
months taken place dav by day, and this penalty, nor any other serious 
penalty, had not at that time been exacted in all the armies of the Union. 

If the Government had allowed the law to become unenforced and inop- 
erative, thereby deceiving soldiers in the army us to the penalties to be 
inflicted, ought not the Government to suffer at least a large part of the 
injurious consequences of such a course.-^ We res|)eelfull\- think it shouki. 

The question then to be solved is: Has the law been \indieated, so tar 
as this portion of the army is concerned.' Is it necessary that another 
example should be made.' 

Iti this we know we have no right to judge, as it is peculiarly within the 
province of the commanding General. Yet we would respectfully state that 
but a few days ago our Regiment, or the greater part of it, did witness the 
execution of a pri\ate of the 3d Division, 21st Army Corps, for the crime of 
desertion. >\nd the same execution was also witnessed by large numbers of 
men of other Regiments of this Division. 

^^'e belie-.e no further example is necessary to \indicate the law in this 
Regiment, in fact desertions have long ago ceased in this Regiment. If 
further example be necessary for the benefit of other Regiments, we humbly 
and respectfully .ask that they may be allowed to furnish the victim, as there 
is no doubt they have cases equally or more worth v than that of Ilembree. 

.\gain. we would respeett'ully state that Ilembree resides in Dubois 
county. Indiana, a county which, out of a vote ot about sixteen hundred 
voters, easts eleven hundretl majority against the administration, tlius leav- 
ing but about two hundred and fifty friends of the administration (or Gov- 
eriunent. as they call it) within the county. This large number of men who 
oppose the Government are earnest in the work, and numy of them have 
been engaged, if report is true, in writing letters to the soldiers of this Regi- 
ment, telling them th.at they are engaged in a wicked and luihoh' enterprise, 
politically and morally; th;it the curse of (Jod and man rests upon them; that 
all their frieiuls at home entertain these opinions, and ad\ ising tlu'in to liesert 
the service; tliat such an act will be accounted honorable and no penalty 
infiicted; that the people (the sovereign people) will protect them. 

Is it strange that such things sliould have elTect upon ignorant men, when 
desertion was common and the Government failed to vindicate itself and the 
law? 

Again. we would respectfully state that previous to the time he was taken 
sick, and in that unfortunate hour deserted the service. Hembree was a good 
and faithful soldier, and we ha\e no tloubt would slill hv such. 

lie has a wife and live little children. They love him. lie lo\es them. 
'I'hey look to him for sujiport. for the_\' are \erv pnnr. W'e grant that in 
strict law tiiese are no reasons in jiis liehalf. yet we think tliat in milit;iry as 
well as civil law, nirrey nia\- prnperh' oftrn ^<m--oii juslirc. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGDIENT. 189 

Lastly. \ve would respectfully state that the order tor this execution was 
received at nine and a half o'clock a. m. of this day. Ilemhree dies to-mor- 
row! How ^hort the timel It is said, "Life is given to prepare for death."' 
Ilembree, like us, has not prepared. How terriblel 

It may be said we have not so lon^' a time when we go into l)attle. PjhI 
who goes into battle to die.' None; we all hope and believe we will live 
\'ears beyond that hour. Hence few prepare for deaih. Wcr^: i-^ certain 
death, and no adequate time for preparation. 

We would therefore respectfully, earnestly and hiunbly request, that 
Richard Hembree be not executed; that some milder pimishment be substi- 
tuted, and if this request can not, in the opinion of the commanding Cien- 
eral, be consistently granted, that he at least be granted a few more davs of 
life. 

JAMES T. EMBREE, Lieut. -Col. Commanding Regiment. 

JOSEPH MOORE. Major 

CHARLES C. WHITIXG, Adjutant. 

NATHAN E\'ANS, Captain. 

WILLIAM DAVIS, Captain. 

WILLIAM A. DOWNEY, Captain. 

J. M. SMITH, Captain. 

DANIEL L. CAIN. Captain. 

CHARLES H. BRUCE, Captain. 

CJREEN McDonald, Captain. 

GEORGE WHITMAN. Captain. 

ZACHARIAH JONES, First Lieutenanl. 

WILLIAM E. CHAPPELL, Captain. 

WILLIAM ADAMS, Second Lieutenant. 

J. G. BEHM. Second Lieutenant. 

C;E0RGE W. HILL. Second Lieutenant. 

HENRY TORRENCE, Second Lieutenant. 

AUGUSTUS MILBURN. First Lieutenant. 

WOODFORD TOWSEV, First Lieutenant 

D. M. HADLOCK, Second Lieutenant. 

J. R. .VDAMS. Assistant Surgeon. 

RICH.VRD A. WOOD, Second Lieutenant. 

(AJ^'INCY A. HARPER, First Lieutenant. 

HUGH J. BARNETT, Second Lieutenant. 

JAMES D. FOSTER, First Lieutenant. 

JACOB DAVIS, Second Lieutenant. 

LYCURGUS C. MASON, First Lieutenant. 

JOHN J. HIGHT, Chaplain. 

(iEORCiE RAFFAN. First Lieutenant and R. (^^ M. 



H K.\Dqi ARTKKS FlRST IJRK.AOr. ^ 

June 22, 1863. \ 
Hoping tile prayer ot' tin-. jH'tition be granted. I appro\e and respectfullv 
forward. (iEO. P. BUELL. 

Coloi ■?] ySth Indiana. C'dminanlin" Brigade. 



110 CIIAI'I.AIN IIKillT'S IllSTOIfV OF THK 

1 1 lAixy; AK iKKs 1'"m^si' 1)i\isu)X. '1"\\ i:x i\- I- iRsi Akmv Cokps. ) 
M rKFRi:i:si!()Ki>. Ti-.N v.. luno jj. iSCi-j. ) 
1 approve this application so fai" as ihc uranliiii;' tlio respite ol" a tew cia\s 
to the prisoner goes, but I cannot approve the ajipiication lor a remission 
ot" iiis sentence. The man was al>sent from his Regiment more tlian seven 
months and did not retain until he was arrested, showing a fixed determina- 
tion to desert the service; and this, too, after the President's proclamation 
tor tile return of deserters: and after, too. an ollicer had been sent from this 
armv to tlu' .State of Indiana to aid deserters to retui-n and av.-iil themselves 
of tlie inimunitv granted in the ])i-oclamation. Justice to the intiividual is 
I'lten mere v to the man \ . 

TllO.S. J. WOOD. 
Brii/adier-C jeneral X'olun leers, Comniandin"'. 



11 1: Ancy. ARTERs Tvv kxtv-First .Xr-mv Cori>s. ) 

June 2 2. iS('T,- \ 
Respectt'nllv forwanied. I recommend that further lime be given in this 
case. The prisoner plead guiltv and was conv icled. An ignorant man mav 
have debarred himself from manv extenuating circumstances; mav have 
thonght it a trivial oflence and refused to put in anv defeni-e; and mav . at 
tlie same time, have had testimonv to mitigate the peiiahv of death. 

r. L. CRn-lKNDKX. 

M aior-( jeneral. 



1 1 EAIXJJ AK ri l<s DKl'ART.MEN'r Of nil ClM I! i: R 1. \ N O . / 

M IRFR liKsiioRo, lune j;;, i ^''•v \ 

Res|iectl"ull V lorwardeii to the .\diutanlCieneral of the armv tor the 
action ot'the President. 

\Vhate\er mav have been llembree"s temptation to leave on tlie loth of 
October, his not returning in obedience to the President's proclamation 
shows him a deserter. 

It is better for the service that a snUicient number of executions should 
take place in each Corps to show that the law will wo.v/ probably be enforced, 
instead of giving the impression as each case occurs, and pravers for man\ 
prevail, that most iirobahly the criminal will not be punished. 

The iietitioners sav thev go into battle knowing thev iMsk Hie and vet do 
not prcjiare for ileath. It is doubtless unwise in them, but each tieserter acts 
on this jirinciple when he deserts, not believing he will lie punisheil 

We must show bv examples that this is wrong. 

The grounds which clain) mercv most stronglv are. tli it llie prisoner has 
a wife and five ciiildren, and that he comes from a mii^hborhood where 
lovalty is at a discount, and has usually behaved well. 

For these reason'- he will be rtprieveti until the pleasure of the Piesident 
lan be kTiown. 

\V. S. ROSECRAN.S, 

Ma ioi- ( ieneral ^'ominandinir. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA IIEGIMENT. Ul 

Adjutant- General's Office, / 
Washington, July 9, 1S63. \ 
Respectfully referred to the Judge Advocate General. 

By order SAM'L BRECK, 

Assistant Adiutant-General. 



JiDGE Advocate General's Office, / 
July 15th. 1863. S 

Case of Richard Ilembree. private, Company E, 5Sth Indiana Volunteers. 

llembree is under sentence of death for desertion. On the 21st of June, 
1863, an order was received at the camp of his Regiment — the sSth Indiana — 
for the execution of his sentence the next day. A petition, which appears to 
hear the signatures of all the commissioned officers of the Regiment, was 
immediately forwarded to the commanding General, praying a respite and 
mitigation of sentence. 

This petition sets forth that there are extenuating circumstances in the 
case of Hembree which would, in the opinion of the petitioners, if they had 
been presented to the consideration of the court martial, have induced a more 
lenient sentence than that pronounced against him. But being a very igno- 
rant man, though he had been a good and dutiful soldier, and not appreci- 
ating the gravity of his offense, which had thitherto been committed almost 
with impunity by large numbers of men within his own observation, who 
had been allowed to return imjiunished to their Regiments, he pleaded guilty, 
and so precluded himself from the benelit of the e\idence in hi^ fa\or. 

The petition sets forth that on the loth of October, 1S62, being on march 
with his Company, Hembree was taken sick and fell back. Being overtaken 
by the wagon train, and being unable to carry his gun and accoutrements, he 
was allowed to place them in a wag'jn. That he then undertook to keep up 
with the train, but his strength failing him, he was forced to lie by at a house 
by the roadside. That up to this time no thought of deserting had entered 
into his intentions, but the armv ha\ing by the iith passed beyond his reach, 
and he, being in a land of strangers — if not of enemies — yielded, unhappily, 
to his strong inclination to go home to see his family — a wife and five smalN 
children — to whom he is represented as being very much attached. Mis 
home is in a county of sixteen hundred voters, which lately gave a majority 
of ele\en hundred votes against the administration. The influence brought 
to bear upon this stolid, ignorant man, in that disloyal cotnmunity, is sup- 
posed to have been of the most pernicious kind. lie did not return to his 
Regiment until arrested and carried back, after an absence of several months, 
during which the President's proclamation of immunity to such deserters as 
returned to their duty had been published in Indiana, and an officer had been 
sent there to aid deserters in a\ailing themselves of it. It does not appear 
whether or not Hembree had any knowledge of either of these facts. 

General Crittenden recommends that execution be delayed, and thinks 
that by pleading guilty the prisoner mny have debarred himself of the ben- 
cDts of manv extenuating circumstances, 



\V2 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

General Rosecrans for\vards tlie case for the action of the President. He 
thinks that whatever may have been Ilenibree's temptation to leave on the 
loth of October, his failure to return, in obedience to the President's procla- 
mation, shows him to be a deserter. That it is better for the service that a 
surticient number of executions should take place in each Corps to show that 
the law will most probabh' be entbrced. instead ot" lea\ ing the imjircssion. as 
each case occurs, and ]-)rayers for merc\' jircvail. that most probably the 
(•riminal will not be punished. 

General Rosecrans is further of the opinion that the grounds which 
claim mercv most strongly in the case are, that the prisoner has a wife and 
live children, and that he comes from a neighborhood where loyalty is at a 
discount, but has. nevertheless, generally behaved ^\ell. 

It is proper to state that it appears from the specification of the charge 
against the prisoner, confessed by his plea, that his arrest occurred on the 
1 ith of May. 1863. 

I have the hon,>r to lie, 

'S'our obedient ser\ant. 

J. HOLT. 
To the President. Ju'lg*-' Advocate General. 



Pardon. 

.\. LINCOLN. 
July iS, 1S63. 



, .\mono' othi^r important L'\ent.s j-)erUiininLi," to the Regiment 
here, was the ori^inatino- a phm tor erecting" a Regimental 
Monument. 

The ]">hin was to seciu'e tlie fnnd that was (hie tiie Regi- 
ment on accoiHit of commutation aUowed by the (io\ernment 
for unused rations, with the addition of liberal subscriptions 
from the ofllcers. and with this fund erect a monument. 
This plan was made known to the Regiment, and was heart- 
ilv endorsed b\- all. Accordingly a monumental organiza- 
tion was perfected, of which Lieutenant-Colonel Kmbree 
was made president and Major Joseph .Moore secretary. It 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RECHMENT, 



li'S 










MONUMENT OF THE FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMEN 



T 



AT PRIN-CETOX. IXDIAXA. 



DEDrCATED JULY 4, 1865. 



U4. (IIAPLAIX H1(;HT"S HISTOK'V OK TilK 

was stipulated that the cost ot the monument should not 
exceed $5,000, and that no subscription should be solicited 
outside of the members of the Regiment, as it was intended 
to be a monument of the Regiment and erected by the Reg- 
iment. It was determined by the voice of the Regiment 
that the monument should be erected in the court house 
; quare in Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, where the 
Regiment was organized. A local committee was appointed, 
consisting of Andrew Lewis, Joseph Devin, William Kurtz 
and John Kell, to carry into effect the wishes of the Regi- 
ment. This committee advertised for plans, with probable 
cost of erection. In answer, the committee received a num- 
ber of designs, with cost. The design of C. Rule and Cole- 
man, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was adopted as the choice of the 
Regiment, as the one most appropriate for the purposes 
intended. 

The design of monument adopted was an elegant marble 
shaft, about thirty-three feet in height. On the north side, 
crossed swords, flag and wreath. On the east side, a small 
sliield resting on bunches of oak and myrlle crossed. 
Underneath, a large wreath encircling the Vvords : "Erected 
by the survivors of the Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Vol- 
unteers, to the memor}^ of their deceased comrades." On 
the south side is a knapsack supporting crossed muskets and 
flags, and a soldier's cap. On the west side is the coat of 
arms of the state of Indiana. On the several sides are the 
following inscriptions: On the south, "Stone Ri\-er;" west, 
"Lavergnef' north, "Mission Ridge;" east, "Chicka- 
mauga" and "Honor the Flag." The names of all of the 
members of the Regiment known to be dead at the dale of 
erection of the monument were to be inscribed on its several 
faces. An American eagle, made of the tinest Italian marble, 
surmounts the shaft, holding the national ensign in his beak 
and talons. 

The resident committee was notified of the choice of the 
Regiment, and it closed a contract with the above named 
firm, stipulating that the monument should be completed by 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REOIMENT. 14.5 

the time the Regiment returned from the tield at the expira- 
tion of its term of service.* 

While in this camp, the order was given to turn over our 
Sihlev tents and adopt the sheher tents in their stead. 
These were pieces of canvas about four feet square, one 
piece to be carried by each man. By fastening two together 
and stretching over a small pole, a shelter was provided for 
two men. When put up, they very much resembled a dog 
kennel, and the outtit was very appropriately named ''Pup 
Tents'" by the boys. There was a general howl of indigna- 
tion when this new order was introduced. The imprecations 
that were heaped upon the man who brought this miserable 
travestv on a tent into existence were emphatic. But exper- 
ience changed their opinion. The shelter tent proved to be 
of the ({reatest service after its merits became fullv known. 

Altogether, our stay in Murfreesboro was the most pleas- 
ant experience in our soldier life. Our camps were all in 
strict military order, and wxre kept clean. Our daily duties, 
while sometimes arduous, were not unpleasant. Under the 
strict discipline and regular drill maintained here, the army 
was greatly improved. In the matter of clothing and equip- 
ments, it never presented as tine an appearance as it did on 
dailv dress parade at MurtVeesboro. 



"■•■ This monument \vas formallv and appropriately dedicated on the 4th 
dav of Julw 1S6;, while the Regiment was yet in camp at Louisville. Ken- 
tucky, awaiting orders for final discharge, which had been expected to take 
place prior to the above date. Many of the officers and enlisted men of the 
Regiment recei\ed furloughs and were present at the dedication, as well as 
large numbers of citizens, and soldiers of other Regiments. Addresses were 
delivered l)y Dr. Andrew Lewis, Rev. John Mc Master. D. D., Chaplain 
John ]. I light, and others, and the monument was accepted in behalf of the 
Regiment bv the members thereof who were present. It was the first mon- 
ument erected in the state in honor of soldiers of the war of the Rebellion, 
and is probabU' the onlv Regimental mommient, in any state, erected In- 
fands provided b\- its members exclusiveh', and the only one dedicated before 
the Regiment was discharged from the service. In the manner of its con- 
ception, as well as in the manner of its construction, the ^Sth Indiana Regi- 
mental Monument, which stands in the court house square at Princeton, is 
certainlv unique. 



CHAPTER XII. 



Advancinc; on Tullahoima — Marching Through Mud 
AND Rain — Climbing tuk Mountain — Demonstra- 
tion OF Cannon County People — Tullahoma E\'ac- 
UATED — In Camp at IIillsboro — Kii>led by an 
Over-Zealous Guard — Excitement and Indigna- 
tion in the 58TH — Military Funerals — Religious 
Services in Camp — Celebrating the Fall op' 
vicksburg and victory at gettysburg numer- 
OUS Events of Interest Detailed. 



TUESDAY, June 23, orders were issued to the various 
Brigades and Regiments to prepare for marching next 
morning, earlv, with three days' rations in the haversacks 
and live in the wagons to accompany' each Regiment. 
Althoupfh simihu- orders had been issued several times betbre, 
during our stay here, vet there were many indications now 
that tliis order was not to be countermanded. It was to be 
a move sure enough. 

Wednesday, June 24, we broke up our pheasant camp and 
started on the march at seven o'clock. It was a great sight 
to see this grand army move out. With wagons, artillery, 
cavalry, officers and men, in almost endless lines, the column 
moved on various roads leading toward the enemy, ^rhe 
air was rent with cheers and with music of Ixuids, as tliis 
ijreat host, with banners ilvino-, marched forth airain to 
battle. 

Van Cleve's Division, of oiu" Corps, was lett in tlie fortitica- 
tions at Murfreesboro. We moved out on the Bradyville 
pike. Palmer's Division was in the ad\ance of Wood. 



FIFTV-KKiHTH INDIANA KKlilMENT. 11-7 

About nine o'clock it beijjan to rain and soon the dust\' pike 
was converted into a thorou<^htare of thin mud. There are 
rebels in front of our column but thev are in small force and 
are not makino- much opposition. Over on the right, on the 
Manchester pike, where General Thomas' Corps is moving, 
we can hear hea\ y cannonading, indicating that the rebels 
are contesting his advance in strong force. 

About two p. m. we went into camp near Donnelson 
Church, having marched twelve miles. The 58th jiut up 
their shelter tents for the tirst time, in a low, wet meadow. 
It was still raining and we found our "pup tents" quite a 
protection. Palmers' Division passed on to Bradvville and 
went into camp. Companies A and V went out on picket. 
They were stationed at a house and had a much more pleas- 
ant position than those who remained in camp. 

At seven o'clock next morning we were again on the 
marcii. The rain was now coming down in torrents. 
About ten o'clock we passed through Bradvville, a miser- 
able, dilapidated town, that seemed the worse for having 
been the camp of a strong force of rebel cavalr\'. Here the 
turnpike ended and we had to take the dirt road, which was 
now almost impassable. I saw two male citizens at this 
town, the tirst we had seen since leaving Murfreesboro. 
Neither were able bodied. I also had a conversation with a 
native woman. She had not been about much. Said she 
had been "at the foot of the Hollow, Gillev's Gap, but never 
at the top," and had lived here all her lil'e. She was one of 
those people who thougiit it very wrong for "vou uns" to 
come down here to fight ''we uns." 

We could only make tour miles to-dav on account of Pal- 
mer's Division being in oiu" advance and in our wav. At 
five p. m. we went into camp in Gillev's Gap, b\' some 
called Brush Gap. At the time of going into camp the rain 
had ceased and the sun was shining. 

We remained in camp all next da^• wailing for Palmer's 
Division to clear the wav. Thev were ascendinp- the first 
steep shelf of the Cumberland Mountains, and progress was 



UH CHArLALX HKJHT'S HISTOKY OF THE 

slow. Rain fell in occasional showers all day. Cannonad- 
ing and musketry heard on our right, in the direction of 
Hoover's Gap. 

Saturday morning, June 27, we were preparing to move. 
Our Bricrade was sent in advance of Division to work on 
road. With great difficulty our Division got up the steep 
and rugged hill. We went four miles and camped at a place 
called Dug Spring. This was in Cannon county. The 
land was barren and the country sparsely settled. When 
we went into camp great numbers of women and children 
came from the surrounding brushes to see the soldiers. The 
men had all gone to war, either as volunteers or conscripts. 
The women had never seen a brass horn or heard a band 
play. It was with rapturous delight that they listened to the 
music of our Regimental band. One damsel declared, when 
she heard "Dixie," that she would stay witli the band 
always, if they would play that tune for her. The band 
changed the tune. Another expressed it as her opinion, 
that "you all are the smartest men that ever came to Cannon 
county." We all felt very much flattered, and the band 
almost blowed their eyes out in their efforts to show their 
appreciation of this compliment. Our band was made up of 
raw material, detailed from the various companies, while we 
were at Murtreesboro, and they had not received many com- 
pliments on their playing up to this time, lience, their high 
appreciation of the musical taste of these Cannon county 
women. Likewise, our Adjutant was affected b}- this 
demonstration. lie is a man of great sobriety and decorum, 
usually, liut on this occasion he tlirew decorum to the winds, 
and mounting a stump, hat in hand, called for three cheers 
for the band, and three times three for the women of Cannon 
county. The boys responded to this call in a manner that 
made the hills ring. They loaded the Cannon county chil- 
dren down with crackers and such other nicknacks as sol- 
diers have. Uncle Johnn\' Everett, our teamster, gave one 
of the little boys a mule colt which he led off as proudly as 
Alexander rode Beaucephalus. I dare say the visit of the 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. UO 

Yankee soldiers to Dug Spring will linger in the traditions 
of Cannon county tor a thousand years. 

On Sunday, June 28, we marched nine miles, camping 
near Manchester ; still raining, roads very bad. On Monday 
morning we started again on our journey, l:)ut turned back 
and went into camp, remaining there all day. Tuesday 
morning we started at liye o'clock and went to Manchester 
and camped on the banks of Duck river, north of the town, 
until next morning. General \"an Cleye's Division, which 
had been left at Murfreesboro, came up this evening bring- 
ing a large supply train tbr the 21st Corps. They also 
brought a big mail. 

July 1st the ist Division was ordered to march at eleyen 
o'clock in light order, towards Tullahoma. The ist Brigade 
was detached as rear guard for the train, and was conse- 
quently detained in Manchester until late in the afternoon. 
About two o'clock p. m., while still lying here, news came 
tliat the rebels had evacuated Tullahoma and that General 
Brannan's Division, of the 14th Corps, was in the town. 
We were to bring up all the train and follow the Division, 
which was moving towards Hillsboro. It was eleven o'clock 
that night when we got into camp, about one mile from 
Hillsboro. The roads were very bad and we had to wait on 
tlie slow progress of the wagon train. 

For the next day or two we marched back and forth be- 
tween Hillsboro and Pelham, This maneuverin<r, I believe, 
was for the purpose of discovering the course of the enemy. 
It was found that Bragg' s entire army had escaped across 
the Cumberland Mountains towards Chattanooga, iVom 
whence he started a year ago in a mad race to Kentucky. 

General Rosecrans' Army was now placed in position as 
follows : 

General Thomas' 14th Corps was posted at Tullaliorna 
and Decherd. General McCook's 20th Corps at the latter 
place and Winchester. General Crittenden, 21st Corps, 
was disposed of with Wood's Division, composed of Hark- 
er's and Buell's Brigades, at Hillsboro, and Wagner's 



i:,(i ( HATLAIN HI(;HT"S MISTOl.'Y OF THK 

lirigade ;il l\'lluim, to watch the main passage over the 
mountains from Manchester to Chattanooga. General 
Rosecrans' headquarters were at Tullahoma, to which 
phice raih-oad communication was opened by the 4th ot 
July. 

The 58th spent the 4th of July resting. We were short 
of rations, but the country abounded in fruit and vegetables 
of all kinds and the boys did not sutler for something to eat. 
Som? of the commanding officers were very severe in their 
denunciation of foraging and were always ready to piuiish 
foragers, but they were always willing to accept a part ot 
the proceeds of a foraging expedition. 

We were in camp in a low flat place beside a little water 
course, Sundav night, July 6th. On that night a tremend- 
ous rain fell. Hooding all the country. In a few hours the 
little stream had become a raging torrent, overflowing its 
banks and flooding our camp. Man}^ of our men sustained 
the loss of their shoes and other articles lying around loose. 
It was a great time we had that niglit hunting a dry spot of 
ground on which to rest. 

At one o'clock Mondav we moved to a much better camp- 
ing ground. 

Wednesday, Julv 8th, I was awakened by the tiring of 
cannon in our camp. I was confident it was on accoinit of 
some good news and immediately got tip to learn what it 
was. I soon learned it was on account of the surrender 
of \'icksburg and the victory over Lee's army at Gettysburg. 
This was certainlv good enough news for one da\' and 
it was verv natin-al that we should all feel happy over it. 

This forenoon we moved again for a change, going back 
to llillsboro, a march of eight miles. This makes the Iburth 
time we have traveled this road within the past few days. 
Moved camp several times in the next few days, and finally 
got settled down very comfortably near a big spring. 

Sr.NDAV, JiL\' 12. — I ]-)reached in the camp of the looth 
Illinois at io:,^o a. m. In the evening Chaplain Crews, of 
that Regiment, preached for me in the camp of the 58th. 



FlFTY-KKillTH INDIANA IJKii I .M KNT. 1 M 

His sermon was u <;rand one and he had a hiro;e and alten- 
live audience. The same cannot be said of my audience in 
his Regiment in tlie forenoon, whatever might be said of the 
sermon. There is a great deal more unconcern manifested 
in regard to religious matters in the looth Illinois than there 
is in the 58th Indiana. 

At tive o'clock Monday afternoon I went to attend the 
funeral of John Lawson, of the 3d Kentvicky, on detached 
duty in the 8th Indiana Battery. He was a native of east 
Tennessee, but removed to Clinton county, Kentucky, 
wliere he enlisted on the nth of August, 1861; leaving 
behind him a wife and several small children, surrounded 
by people who were hostile to the Union army. He was a 
good moral man, a taithful soldier and a true patriot. His 
death occurred this morning. At the funeral the procession 
was formed as follows : 

Captain and Senior First Lieutenatit. 

Caison, vqion which cofHn was placed, attended hy jiall bearers. 

One section of battery. 

Band of 58th Indiana. 

Chaplain and Surgeon. 

Commissioned officers of battery. 

Non-commissioned officers and men. 

We marched out to solemn music to the little cemetery, 
but before reaching there a heav^' shower of rain began to 
fall w^hich cut short the intended ceremonies. 

Richard Hembree came up from Murfreesboro to-day, 
July 14th. He does not know anything about the deter- 
mination of the President in his case, but as he was told to 
report to his company he lias good reason to believe that the 
kindness of President Lincoln's heart has saved his life. 
Hembree is a happy man. Who would not he imder sim- 
ilar circumstances. 

We now have full rations and little work to do and arc 
enjoying camp life exceedingly. It is evident that w^e have 
gained a greater victory over Bragg at Tullahoma than it' 
we had fought him, as thousands of his men are deserting 
him since his army left middle Tennessee. Fifteen came 



i:)2 CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

into our camp to-dav. They represent the rebel army as 
greatly demoralized since Bragg has passed over the moun- 
tains and beyond the Tennesse river. General Forrest is on 
this side gathering up deserters. 

General Rosecrans has gone to McMinnville. I believe 
we should advance immediately on Chattanooga, but it is 
probably impracticable to do so, on account of our transpor- 
tation tacilities. If we only had a road through Cumberland 
(xap we could make out better. 

b^-iday, July 17, I joined a forage train that was going out 
into the country. This train was made up from our Regi- 
ment and the looth Illinois, wdth Lieutenant Wood in com- 
mand of our escort. Lieutenant L. C. Mason, my mess- 
male, was in the company. The first house I called at was 
a Mr. Tucker's, two miles from our lines. He is a minister 
in the M. E. church, South, and a Union man. We next 
passed his son-in-law, Mr. Charles, who is also a Union 
man. Was shot at a number of times by conscripting offi- 
cers. Here we contracted for some chickens and potatoes, 
and passed on. In one respect, a great change has come 
over the people of this country since we were here a year 
ago. Nearly every secessionist is now convinced of the 
hopelessness of the Confederate cause, and they desire the 
speedy triumph of the Union arms, as the only hope for 
peace. Many are boldly coming out in favor of the Union. 
We are everywhere treated kindly b}' both Union and seces- 
sion people. They have been severely treated b\' both 
armit's. The rebels took the men between eighteen and 
forty-iive and t'orced ihem into the army. They stole their 
horses and corn, and did as they jileased generally. I'he 
Union arm\- is now foraging olT oi them hea\ih'. To-da\' 
we cut green oats in the field, with which to teed our horses. 
Many petty acts of depredation, such as stealing chickens, 
potatoes, etc., have been committed by our straggling sol- 
diers. Some were born thieves, and would follow the busi- 
ness in civil life, if it were not for their fear of the state 
prison. 



FIFTY-P:IGHTH IXDIAXA UEGIMEXT. 153 

This forage train went about ten miles in the direction ot 
McMinnville. In company with Lieutenant Mason, Com- 
missary-Sergeant Farmer, and the commissary-sergeant of 
the looth Illinois, and our negro servant, Abe, I went off on 
a blind road about a mile or two and called on Mr. Cun- 
ningham. His wife prepared a very excellent dinner for us, 
for which I paid a dollar lor myself and Mason, and 
expressed many thanks. As we returned, we called on Mr. 
Charles for our chickens and potatoes. It was near dark 
when we reached camp. I had to ride hard, as my com- 
panions were on borrowed horses. 

We are daily recei\-ing the most cheering news tVom all 
parts of the country. Gold is falling and the spirits of the 
people are rising. 

Sunday, July 19. — I went out early this morning to pre- 
pare to preach. Attended church in the looth Illinois at 
10:30. Chaplain Crews preached an able sermon, but the 
attendance was very poor. I thought what a pity, that a 
man with ruch talent as Chaplain Crews has should meet 
with such poor encouragement. I do not think it is on 
account of any personal dislike on the part ot the men, but 
they simply do not want to hear preaching. 

At two p. m. I preached in my own Regiment; subject, 
"The Leper and Sinner — Their Disease and Doom,'' Lev. 
14 : 46. After sermon, we proceeded to Pond Spring creek, 
just above the Hillsboro road, for the observance of the ordi- 
nance of baptism. A large congregation assembled on 
either bank. I announced, and the congregation sang : 

"Wlicn I surve\' the wondrous cross. 
On whicli tlie l^rincc of Glor\' died." 

After the usual formula. Corporal Harrison Wheeler, of 
Company D, was baptized by sprinkling. Private William 
Duncan, of Company B, was immersed. Thus the two 
modes were exhibited side by side, and the congregation 
had the opportunity of judging which looked the better, or 
was the most preferable. Most likely their p:econceived 
notions would govern their decision, however. 



I.")}. CMAl'LAIX HK;HT"S HISTORY OF THE 

Monday, Julv 20. — Compan^' F, under command of Caj")- 
tain Cain, were detailed to go to Manchester as an escort to 
a train of sixty-five wagons after supplies. 

A most deplorable event occurred in the atlernoon ol 
July 20th, in the shooting of Wilbur F. Jaquess, private, 
of Company B. He was shot b\' a provost guard named 
George Cropp, private of Company A, 64th Ohio, who was 
on duty at the residence of Warren Wait, a citizen living 
near our camp, who claimed to be a l^nion man. Young 
Jaquess, in company with Jasper Ileiz. John D. Leonard and 
Thomas M. Harper, all of Company 13, had gone out on a 
foraging expedition on their own account that afternoon. 
These were all good soldiers, but were not disposed to live 
on short rations, as long as there was plenty to eat in the 
country around. Their special mission that afternoon was 
af.er blackberries, but as the^- were returning with their 
buckets they discovered a sheep. They killed it and took 
it to the woods near by to dress it. According to their state- 
ments, it was not near the house, and they did not know 
there was a guard at the place. Jaquess saw the guard com- 
ing fir- 1 and informed his comrades. He suggested the pro- 
priety of getting their traps and getting away from there. 
Acting on that suggestion, they started ofT in a run, Heiz 
being in the lead. The guard gave the order to halt twice. 
Harper halted, but the others did not hear, or did not heed 
the order, and kept on. Jaquess, being in the rear, looked 
back, and as he did so, the guard fired, the ball taking effect 
in a vital part, inflicting a fatal wound. His comrades saw 
him fall, and immediately ran to him. Poor Jaquess gave a 
groan, and immediately expired. I'he guard (Wd not 
advance, but immediately turned and ran back to the liouse. 
He was probably about one hundred \ ards tVom the party 
when he lirecl the latal shot. It was luck^- that the 
guard did not come within reach of the comrades of 
Jaquess, as they would have certainly made short work of 
him, could they iiave laid their hands on him. Although 
they were tor the moment dazed at the horrible deed that 



FIFTV-EKiHTH INI)L\NA EPXtIMEXT. 155 

had been committed, yet the three comrades recovered their 
thoughts quickly, and at once set about caring tor their dead 
companion. Thev had two coffee ^acks witli them, and 
with these made a stretcher and brought the ]")ody ot' their 
dead comrade into camp, ^^^hen the news of what had been 
done reached camp, there was great excitement in the 58th 
Regiment. So great was the indignation, that tliere was 
not a little wild talk ot' taking arms and wreaking vengeance 
on the murderous provost guard and the Regiment to which 
lie belonged. 

In consequence ot' this teeling, it was deemed necesiary. 
bv the commanding General, to place the 58th Regiment, and 
cspeciall}^ Companv B, imder surveillance, for tear oi" an out- 
break. This was not known to us at the time, but was 
learned at'terward. But it was hardly necessary to take this 
precaution, so far as the Regiment was concerned, as there 
was no general movement contemplated against the offend- 
ing guard or his Regiment. There was, however, a party 
of officers and men organized to go out after the guard that 
night. This party wiis led by one of the comrades wlio was 
with Jaquess, but owing to the darkness and a contusion ot 
roads, they could not find the place, and had to return with- 
out their man. Under all the circumstances, it is probably 
just as well that it turned out this way. Wreaking venge- 
ance on this man would have caused more trouble to those 
eno-atred in it, and would not have restored lite to poor 
Jaquess.'*^ 

The body wa ^ placed in the hospital tent to await prepar;-.- 
tions tor burial. A plain coffin was made, a much better 
one than is commonly made in camp. Ili^ gravi' was dug 
in the village cemetery, near camp, and at two p. m.. July 



* It was verv natural that the three comrades of Jaquess should harbor 
resentment a^^ainst the man who had killed him. and it was not unnatural 
that thev should determine to take his lite in return. With this purpose in 
view, two of these comrades watched for Cropp as his Re,<;iinent passed over 
the Cumberland mountains, a few days after this. But they did not find 
their man. and so his life was spared. ^Vhat became of this man afterward. 
we have no information, 



156 CHAPLAIX MIGHT'S HI8T0KY OF THE 

2 1st. the tuneral took place. Following was the order of 
procession and exercises : 

Captain Smith and Lieutenant Foster. 

Ambulance bearing coffin, attended by six pall bearers. 

Regimental band. 

Chaplain. 

Escort. 

Soldiers ot' Company U and others. 

Officers of Regiment. 

At tiie grave there was appropriate services by the Chap- 
lain, and music by the band. The escort fired a salute, the 
grave w^as filled, the benediction was pronounced, wdien all 
that we could do for the dead comrade was done. The col- 
umn returned to camp, band in front. 

The case of yoinig Jaquess is indeed a sad one. He was 
a brave, faithtul soldier, who had been with the Regiment 
from the start, and had his courage tested in severe battles. 
He was a native of Posey county and was related to a most 
excellent and distinguished familv. The circumstances of 
his death were most distressing. He fell a victim to a spirit 
ot recklessness that w'as very prevalent in the army, yet such 
risks as he assumed were taken everv dav b}' the most 
orderlv and well disciplined soldiers. It was a common 
occurrence for soldiers to run tVom a provost guard to avoid 
arrest, when out foraging. It was onlv when a provost 
guard was over zealous in the discharge of his dutv, or was 
a brainless brute — as seems to have been the character of this 
man Cropp, that he wotild shoot to kill under stich circum- 
stances. Of course, according to strict military discipline, 
the guard did his duty and could not be charged with any- 
thing more than lack of common sense. This defect is not 
considered a crime under our army regulations, otherwise, 
a great manv officers of high rank would not be able to pass 
muster. 

Our train bringing our extra baggage came up to-day, 
Julv 2 2d. But few things w^ere lost or damaged. The train 
was in charge of an excellent officer. Lieutenant George 
Raffin, now Regimental C^iarterniaster, 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEtllMENT. 157 

Sergeant Farmer relates to me an exciting occurrence that 
happened to our foragers to-day, which was very amusing, 
since no one was hurt. The foragers were out some eight 
miles on the McMinnville road. Farmer and Sutler Whit- 
man had gone off the road a piece after their dinners. As 
they were returning to the train the-s- suddenly discovered in 
the road before them a companv of butternuts. They were 
mounted on the usual jaded horses and wore old clothes and 
were armed with shot guns, etc. When thev saw Farmer 
and Whitman the butternut partv stopped and formed "in 
two rows of war." The two would have fled but they were 
too near, and the butternuts were between them and the 
train. So they made the best of a bad bargain and went up 
to them. Then thev discovered that the butternuts were a 
band of scouts, about flfteen strong, sent out from an Ohio 
Regiment. About tiie time this mutual recognition occurred, 
negro Bill, from our Regiment, came out from a house carry- 
ing a bag of apples. Whom should he see up the road but 
a band of rebel cavalr\-. (flicker than thought tiie bag of 
apples fell ofl" his shoulder and a negro might iiave been 
seen runninor- for dear life for the train. The scouts saw 
him and thought thev espied a rebel. Without stopping to 
make any inquiries of Farmer or Whitman thev started in 
full and thoughtless charge after the supposed rebel. Farmer 
and \\'hitman followed as fast as their horses would take 
them until the^• saw that thev would soon be on the train 
guards. Thev. having the fear of Uncle Sam's rifles before 
them, halted, and got as manv of the scouts to halt as pos- 
sible, but the leadino- ones dashed on. Nej^ro Bill let't everv 
liorseman behind: he ran, veiling "secesh,'' at ever\- jump. 
The Lieutenant commanding the guard discovered tiiem in 
tull charge. lie commanded his men to "fall in.'' Eight 
trusty Union rifles were leveled at the charging butternuts. 
The leader ol the scouts saw his danger and threw uj") botli 
hands and cried out, "don't shoot I don't shoot I we are 
friends." That cry saved his life, for the Lieutenant had a 
rille aimed at liis head. There was quite a heart^• laugh on 



l.-)!! CHAPLAIX HKIHT'S HISTORY (»F THK 

all sides at the amusing blunders. But. seriously, men ot 
no more discretion than these scouts, had better be kept in 
camp. In plain English, they were a gang of fools. 

Sunday, July 26. — We occupied our new benches for the 
fn-st time at our church services to-day. These benches 
were constructed by myself and several volunteer assistants 
from the 58th, last Friday. Chaplain Crews preached an 
excellent sermon to a good audience at 10:30 a. m. 1 
preached a poor sermon to a small but attentive audience at 
two p. m. I baptized two persons — Isaac Turpin and Sam- 
uel G. Conrad. In the evening, while my own congrega- 
tion were holding an excellent prayer meeting in our Regi- 
mental chapel, I, in company with Captains Downey and 
Chappel, and Lieutenants Barnett, Davis and Milburn, and 
our Regimental band, went to the 3d Kentucky. The band 
gave us several sacred pieces, after which I conducted the 
service, preaching to a good audience. There seems to be 
more than a usual degree of interest manifested in spiritvuxl 
things by members of our Regiment, for which I thank God 
and take courage. 

Monday, July 27, was pay-day in our Regiment. It 
took about ^40,000 to pay us off. There was a stirring tinn- 
all (hu', paying debts and settling claims, long past due. 
The sutler came in for a good share. It is astonishing to 
me to see how foolishh' the men will spend their hard earned 
wages. My sutler's bill for the past four months was just 
eightv cents. The following sums were sent honn' by the 
various companies : 

Field and Staff. $---3" "" 

Conipan\- A — 2.52S 00 

Company H.._ .- 3'0^'7 O" 

Company C_. --- .:.... 662 00 

Company D.__ 455"" 

Company E.. - -- 

Companv F . ''33- "'* 

Company G.. i.oCio 00 

Company H... - - i.ono 00 

Company I... i.:;''\5 "" 

Companv K H55 •>() 



FIFTY-KIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 150 

In the afternoon William Witherspoon, of Company A, 
was taken with a series of severe convulsions. He was 
wounded in the charge of his company on Lavergne, 
December 27, 1862, having been struck on the top of the 
head b^' a ball. P\m- a long time he has been well and 
hearty, but I have no doubt his present affliction is a result 
of the injurv received in that battle. 

At two p. m. I began a school for the instruction of the 
negroes and had a large number in attendance. I am using 
the "Bible Reader," published by the American Sunday 
School Union. Man}^ remarks, not ver}' complimentary to 
me, as those who make them suppose, ai*e made about me 
on account of this school. I feel it one of the proudest 
honors of mv life thus to receive the contempt of the vulgar 
because I am the instructor of the oppressed and the poor. 
In everv wav I am bevond the reach of the malice and 
prejudice of the dirtv crowd of negro haters. T have 
enough monev, character and friends to live far above 
them. I pitv the people who are so blinded by prejudice, 
and will gladly do all T can to elevate and educate them ; 
but I fear some of them will never get the caste removed 
tVom their minds. It is just such people as these that 
iiave been disgracing New York b}' the recent riots. 
A better dav will come when all this bigotry will pass 
away and men v,ill wonder at it as we do now at canni- 
balism. 

Our Regiment was sent out to repair the road to Man- 
chester, Tuesdav. On account of the great amount of haul- 
ing the road was full of chuck holes and almost impassable 
in places. 

Thursday, July 30. — Captain Charles II. Bruce, of 
Companv K, took $2,694 ^^ Tullahoma and expressed it 
home for men in our Regiment. lie also took $1 ,100 of the 
Regimental monument t'und to send off. At a meeting of 
the commissioned officers this morning it was determined to 
leave the site and plan of the monument to Colonel Embree 
and tiie local committee in Princeton. A spot suggested is 



1()() (HAPI.AIN HJUHT'S HISTOIJV (►F THK 

on the ground belonging to Dr. A. Lewis, across the street 

from Monroe Barton's. 

A moonlight pra3^er meeting in camp. — Let me attempt a 

pen picture of one: At sunset Corporal Redman sang, 

"When I Can Read M3' Title." The straggling worshipers 

come one by one. Each takes his seat, near or far, pra^•ing 

or prayerless. The ^•olume of voice swells as the song 

proceeds : 

"Not as the flving come. 

In silence or in fear; 
They shook the depths of the desert's glooin 
With their hvmns of loftv cheer." 

The hymn ceases. The minister arises, urges all to feel 
at liberty knd to lead in praver or exhortation. He an- 
nounces the old penitential psalm of Watts, 

"Show pit\' Lord, Oil Lord forgixe," etc. 

After this is sung all bow in prayer. The memory of the 
loved ones far away comes up before the soldier as he 
fervently prays that all the blessings thev ask for him ma^• 
fall in multiplied showers upon them. What a time ''for 
memory and for tears.'' The white-washed cottage, the 
tidy wife, the children who have ceased to 

"Run to lisp their sire's return, 

Or climb his knee, the envied kiss to share," 

come thronging through his throbbing heart. Ihinn after 

h\'mn and prayer after prayer are offered up to (jod. until 

the hour for dismissing comes. 

What holy influences linger around the soldier's praver 

meeting. Wiio can measure the good then and there accom- 

, ]")lished. How man\' a brave but erring soldier at siu'h a 

meeting has been led by the Blessed Spirit to reform his life. 

How many a sinking Peter has been upheld b^• a Savior's 

haiul. How many mature christians have realized in siuh 

an hour, "That the path of the just is as \\\c shining light. 

that shinetii more and more unto the perfect daA."" 

It is nine o'clock. I retire to my cot. It is a sini]-»le. but 

ingenious strticliu'e. It is about six feet in length b\- two 

feet and eight inches in width. 1'here are three bars of iron 



FTFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 1(51 

ucross it, which fold in the middle. Layino- it upon one 

edge it shuts up. The six legs can then be folded up. 

Then the whole has a joint in the middle, so that all falls 

into a bundle a yard long, and a very few inches in width 

and breadth. A convenient cot is this of mine. I purchased 

it in the citv of New Albany in the spring of 1862, for five 

dollars. I have had it with me in all my campaigns, save 

when I was compelled to leave it behind. Many a sweet 

night's repose have I had resting on it. It has two faults — 

it is too short, and then that miserable bar across the middle. 

Yes. this very nio-ht it made me dream of a broken le^^;. 

I seldom permit myself to use my bed lor meditation, as 

beds are made to sleep on. But to-nigiit I wish that my 

tViends could see the situation. At the other side of the tent 

lies John Patterson, a refugee Tennessee boy — our cook and 

steward. Between the cots stands an excellent desk, made 

of a cracker box. Three stools, fixed as stout as four stakes 

under each could make them, are provided for the comfort 

of the inmates or visitors. From pole to pole above my 

head is a line with my clothing. It is astonishing how much 

comfort, neatness, and even luxury, can be crowded into a 

little wall tent. Oh ! ye housekeepers that pine away in 

your cottage for w^ant of room, come and see how happy the 

soldier lives in his tent. Come and learn that 

"Man wants but little here below, 
Nor wants that little long." 

But hark I what sweet, unearthly music is that winch falls 

upon mv ear? Listen I as plaintive voices chant, 

"I have a mothei" over jonder, 
Safe in the Promised Land." 

It is the contrabands singing. The toils of the dav are past 
and thev have come to sing their troubles away. Did you 
ever notice that negroes always sing sad and melancholy ? 
Thus, Aunt Jennie sings in her tent to-night, surrounded bv 
every shade known to human faces. But, listen I it is not 
all singing — they have a school. Aunt Jennie, imitating the 
Chaplain, is teaching them to read. What! negroes learn- 



IC.l' CUVrLAlN HKiHT'S UlSTOli'V OF THK 

ing to read, in violation of tlie laws of Tennessee? What 
presumption. J)ut is not knowledge for them? Have the^' 
not minds, given them by their Creator? Are they not to be 
cultivated and fitted for a land of endless life and endless 
beauty? As the rolling sun gilds with glorv the rough 
mountain crags, so let knowledge shine upon these, and 
make them better. 

Oh, the wild, glorious, roving life of a bold soldier bov I 
With all thy faults, I love thee still. How pleasant the 
sweet consciousness that God gives to him that he tights in a 
good cause. His soul is unfettered by the trammels of civ- 
ilized life. Does he desire to worship? Where he is is his 
church. Does he wish for sleep? He savs, with Tecum- 
seh, ''The earth is my mother ; I will repose on her bosom." 
No pent up Utica contracts his powers ; he travels far and 
near, seeing manv lands. He sails on the ocean, steams on 
the river, rattles on the cars, trudges on the mud road, and 
climbs the bold mountains. He bares his breast to the 
storm and savs: "I'hou art m\- brother." The gentle rains 
fall upon his brow, and he welcomes them as a mother's 
kiss. He would not exchange the cooling draught of water 
from the sparkling lountain for all the drinks of the most 
fashionable saloon. His fare is rough, but then his appetite 
is good, and he has not sickened over dainties. He lives a 
life of toil, btit his muscles are strong and his heart is brave. 
He exists amid dangers, but he heeds them not, for the 
smiles of the fair, the prayers of the good, and the hopes of 
the oppressed cheer him on. When he stands in battle, his 
soul sinks not in tear, for above him is the tiag of the iVee, 
and beneath the soil he would lie, rather than vield to 
tyrants. The cannon's deadlv roar, the crash of arms, the 
shout of the charge are his music. If victory comes, his 
soul is filled with indescribable jov. If he falls, full well he 
knows, 

"Whetlier on the scaftold liigli, 

Or in the battle's van, 
The noblest place for man to liii.' 

Is where he dies for man." 



FIFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. lO.} 

It" he perish, true hearted comrades will diu- his orave. 
"No useless coffin will enclose his form ; he will lav like a 
warrior, taking his rest, with his martial cloak around him." 
Why need he dread death ? Is not the grave the common 
receptacle of the young, the beautiful, the beloved? Let 
not the brave then fear to die. His memory shall be cher- 
ished bv those who love him. The mighty deeds in which 
he bore an humble part shall live in the traditions of a thou- 
sand generations — but, hush, n^v wandering thoughts I 
Stillness reigns in camp ; 'tis time for sleep. Good night. 

Friday, July 31. — Most of this dav I have spent in writ- 
ing. I am fearful of foreign intervention in our national 
affairs. We are hated by the tyrants of the old world, and 
now, when the rebellion seems about to be overthrown, thev 
are afraid that free government will succeed. For a time 
thev were willing to leave us alone, hoping we would devour 
each other. But now, being satisfied that the Southern 
aristocrac}" will be overthrown and the Union established, 
they seem determined to prevent so desirable a result. I 
tremble at the prospect. My only hope is that God will 
uphold the cause of liberty. The whole world may be 
engaged in the contest before it is ended. "The Lord 
reigns, let the earth rejoice." 

Sunday, August 2. — The Regimental inspection at nine 
o'clock. At ten o'clock we had church services, conducted 
by Chaplain Crews. A large congregation was present. I 
preached at the same place at 2 : 30 p. m., and at Ilillsboro 
at 4 p. m. At the first services a few negroes were present, 
A man belonging to the 58th had started to church, but when 
he saw the negroes he refused to go, lest he should equalize 
himself with "niggers." He said he "would not go ten 
steps to hear Hight preach, because he was a nigger lover." 
This same man went to the four o'clock meeting, in Hills- 
boro, however, walking three-fourths of a mile through the 
hot sun, when, great was his astonishment to see Hight get 
up to preach. But he staid through the sermon, notwith- 
standing his boast. How extremely ridiculous many people 



\(U CHAPLAIN llI(iHT"S HISTOIfV OF THK 

make themselves on account ot" the netrroes. T always bear 
with such, and pity tliem, for I know how easily ignorant 
men are led astray by caste. 

In the evening we had a most solemn. time, in the observ- 
ance of the sacrament of the I^ord's Supper. Almost half of 
the congreg-ation were communicants. At the close, three 
of the 58th and two of the looth Illinois came forward for 
church membership. The three were Lieutenant J. G. 
Behm, whom I had known in Indiana as keeper of the Gib- 
son countv poor house ; Benjamin Lilley, who was for a long 
time cook at headquarters, and Lewis Beck, whose wife 
latel}' made a profession of religion at her home in Indiana. 
There is a deep religious feeling in the Regiment. May 
God continue to send his Holy Spirit down upon us. 

Tuesday, August 4. — The Regiment went to Murfrees- 
boro to-day, leaving in camp Surgeon Adams, Ciiaplain 
Ilight, Captains Whitman, Cain and Evans, Lieutenants 
Snvder, Voorhees and Chappell. one non-commissioned 
officer from each Compan\', Commissar\'-Sergeant Farmer, 
the band, and most of the servants. The Regiment went as 
a jjuard for two hundred wagons from our Division after 
rations. I am under the impression that about next Monday 
we will commence crossing the mountains, with twentv-tive 
days' rations. 

Colonel George P. Buell returned to-day iVom an eight 
days' furlough. I learn that he has tendered his resignation. 
If it should be accepted, we will lose a good officer. For 
while I have not always been able to commend his conduct, 
yet it must be said that Colonel Buell has been loyal to his 
Regiment. He is not without fault, but he has man\" excel- 
lent traits of character. He is, unlike so many other officers, 
free from intoxication, and has always tried to suppress it 
among those under his command. He always tries to main- 
tain a high standard of discipline in the Regiment. 

Thursday, August 6, was observed as a National Thanks- 
giving by order of President Lincoln, in commemoration of 
our recent victories. We had appropriate services in our 



FlFTY-EKiHTH IM>IANA EfXilMEXT. lO:. 

Recriment, but the attendance was not lar^e, on account ot' 
tlie absence of the trreater part ol' our Reii-iment at Murtrees- 
boro, and the heav\' details tor duty from the other Regi- 
ments of the Brigade. Chaplain Crews preached a good 
sermon on national affairs. 

At two p. m. mv contraband school met. Some are mak- 
ing great progress, some are getting along slowly. While 
my class was reciting, a great number of soldiers gathered 
around, as thev do more or less every day. They are all 
disappointed ; those who hate negroes disagreeably so, at the 
progress made bv mv pupils. The superior system ot 
instruction, perhaps, lias something to do witli their rapid 
progress, but more largely is it to be attributed to their 
intense eagerness to learn. Chaplain Crews and Rev. Mr. 
Pearson, of the Tennessee M. E. Conference, made some 
encouraging remarks to the school. 1 think young Pearson 
is getting his eyes open to the iniquity of slavery. 1 am 
determined to prepare a few of the slaves tor freedom. 

I had an introduction this afternoon to Chaplain Thomp- 
son, of the 64th Ohio. He came only a few days ago, and 
called to see me, in company with Lieutenant-Colonel 
Brown, of that Regiment. He is a solid, hne looking man, 
and belongs to the United Presb^'terian church. 

The Regiment returned from Murfreesboro, Friday, 
August 7, with their wagons loaded. They brought twenty- 
five days' rations tor the Division, and had a very pleasant 
trip. 

In the afternoon of Saturday, August 8, I attended a 
Union meeting in the Tucker neighborhood. Many soldiers 
were present. Speeches were made by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Young, Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer, Lieutenant J. L. Yar- 
yan and others. The people were very green about the 
transaction of business in a meeting of this kind. Only one 
motion was put, and that was by Lieutenant Yaryan. 

Monday, August 10. — Great preparation is being made 
for marching. Colonel Buell has withdrawn his resigna- 
tion, and has determined to stay with the Regiment. Quite 



166 CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S UISTOIJV OF THK 

a number of general orders trom Division headquarters were 
read, on dress parade this evening, promulgating decisions 
ot" a court martial in ret'erence to several men in our Regi- 
ment. 

Wednesda\' 1 rode out into the countrv with Dr. 
McGavan, of tlie 26th Ohio. We went out on the Decherd 
road and stopped for a few moments at the house of a citi- 
zen named Lans, who proved to be a miserable old fool and 
secessionist. He said: "I never meddle with politics or 
scripter nor swar any.'' He wished he was "sot down in 
P'rance or somewhar," that he could be free. I was vexed 
at the Doctor for exchanging a few words with such an 
unpatriotic ignoramus. We went on and took dinner at the 
Widow Call's, who lived between the Decherd and Win- 
chester roads. It was a splendid dinner we had. On our 
return, we called on an old lady by the name of Smith, who 
was very sick. Her husband told me she was a "night 
rider." I supposed he meant that she was subject to "night 
mare," and was prepared to ofl'er my sympathy. But when 
it was explained that "night rider" was the Tennessee des- 
ignation for "midwife," I had to apologize for my igno- 
rance. 

Thursday, Aucjust 13. — I sent to Joseph Patterson, 
treasurer, if 120. 75, the amount of our Regiment's contribu- 
tion to the fund of the U. S. Christian Commission. We 
liad a terrible rain storm this afternoon. Several -trees were 
l)lown down in camp, but tortunateh- none of our Regiment 
were hurt. Colonel Embree returned from a twenty days" 
furlough, bringing man^• letters and packages for the boys. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



O.N TO Chattaxoo(;a — Crossinc; Cumberland Moun- 
tains — Sequatchie Vallp:y — A Fertile Spot — 
False Alarm — Fruitless Expe:dition — Bob Whitp:, 
the Union Spy — Crossing the Tp:nnessee — Nicka- 
jACK Cave — First View of Lookout Mountain — 
Reconnoisance — Chattanooga E\'Acuated — Wood's 
Dix'isioN Occupies iiii; T{)^^•N. 



UNEXPECTEDLY, the contemplated march began Sun- 
day, August 1 6. We were not expecting to start 
before Monday, but the orders came to break camp, and all 
our arrangements tbr preaching services were cancelled. 
The distance marched to-dav was only eight miles, but part 
of the distance was so verv hot and dustv that some of the 
men were prostrated. During the afternoon a refreshing 
shower of rain fell, and made things more pleasant. Our 
Brigade went into camp at the foot of the mountain ; Wag- 
ner's Brigade, which was in our ad\ance, ascended the 
mountain during the dav and night. 

Monday morning we began climbing the moimlain. Om* 
wagons were never so heavilv loaded. We had thirt\' days' 
rations in them, besides necessary baggage, equipments, etc. 
One-half the load of each wagon was left at the foot of the 
mountain. At first the rise is very gradual, but as w^e 
approach the summit tiie road is very steep. The teams to 
the artillery and heavy wagons were doubled. Then there 
were long ropes attached to the tongues of vehicles, and all 
the men that could la}' hold of the ropes assisted the teams 



108 CHAPLAIX HIGHT'S HISTORY OF TIIK 

in piillino- tlieir loads up the steep places. All dd\ , and tlie 
<;reater part of the night, was occupied in getting the two 
l^rigades, with their wagons and artillery, up the movmtain. 
But it was tinallv accomplished, without accident or mishap 
of an^' kind. At a late hour, men and horses went to rest 
on the mountain top. There were rattlesnakes in great 
abundance all around, but we were too tired to be disturbed 
bv them. A great number of these reptiles were killed by 
our soldiers, as thev moved about the place of bivouac with 
imnecessarv freedom and familiarity. 

On the 1 8th we marched seven miles, camping at Tracy 
CilA'. Next dav we made a most remarkable march ot 
twenty-eight miles, camping at the foot of the mountain, at 
a place called Thurman, in Sequatchie Valley. It was a 
long, hard march, but the weather w^as very pleasant for an 
August dav. The Regiment was halted on tiie mountain 
side to build tires to light the way for the trains to come 
down. I5ut it was afterward decided to leave them on the 
mountain until to-morrow ; so we passed on down to the val- 
ley and went into camp sometime after dark, in Widow 
Thurman 's potato patcii. 

Secjuatchie Valle\' is a very lertile spot, anj is a great 
tVuit coimtrv, as we observed when we awoke next morning. 
We discovered that our camping place was in a sweet potato 
patch, w^ith a large peach orchard near by. Within easy 
distance there was a patch of fine roasting ears, and all about 
were gardens and fields, containing vegetables and fruits in 
ii'reat abundance. The sight was verv satisfvin<r to a sol- 
dier with a well developed appetite. Although the orders 
against foraging that were in force on the other side of the 
mountain had not been suspended, yet, somehow, the iVuils 
and vegetables of Sequatchie Valley were gradually and con- 
tinuallv disapjiearing during our stay, and when we moved 
on, the fields and orcliards hatl a \'ery desolate and l:>arren 
look . 

Xext dav after our arrival in the valkw, we were alarmed 
h\ tlie report that 4,000 rel^els were coming. We got into 



FIFTV-EKrHTH INDIANA IJECJIMKNT. 169 

line in the best shape we could, and awaited the approach of 
the foe with fear and tremblinij;. There w'ere some braver 
than the others — as there always is — who said, "Let 'em 
come." But these brave persons were as much relieved as 
the rest of us were, when it was discovered that it was a false 
alarm. It is a great deal more pleasant to lie around in the 
shade and cat peaches than to be skipping about in tlie hot 
sun dodafinp- rebel cannon balls and listenino- to the music of 
their muskets. 

To-dav a call was made ibr volunteers to go on an expe- 
dition to a point on the Tennessee River, be^■ond Walden's 
Ridge, to capture a steamboat, which was reported to be 
stuck at that place. Four hundred men were wanted, one 
hundred from each of the four Regiments, with Colonel 
Buell in command. Tlie 58th easil\- turnished its one liun- 
dred volunteers, and about the middle of the afternoon the 
expedition set out. Thev marched over Walden's Ridge, 
following blind roads and bv-paths, lead h\ a native guide. 
About four o'clock next morning the^' came in sight of the 
Tennessee River. But the steamboat was not there, and so 
thev had their march of eighteen or twentv miles lor noth- 
ing. There was nothing for them to do but return to camp, 
which thev did, reaching there about eight p. m. Although 
this expedition was fruitless, vet it demonstrated the pluck 
and nerve of those who enlisted in it. It showed wliat 
might be expected of men who would voluntarilv enlist in an 
expedition involving so much hardship and possible danger. 
On this trip the party passed the houses of man\' Union peo- 
ple, wlu:) were greatlv delighted to see the ]lo^'s in blue. 
One of the notetl characters who was seen on this mountain 
expedition was Bob White, a well known I'nion sjiv. His 
wife stavs at home, but Bob has not slept in his lu)use for 
eight months. The rebels luive made e\'erN- elfort to arrest 
him, but without success. lie goes into their lines when he 
pleases, and does manv daring things. 

Sunday, August 23. — Chaplain Crews prc:iched under 
the shade of a chestnut tree in camp at ten a. m, on the text ; 



170 ( IIAPLAIX HKiHT'S HiSTOlfV OK THK 

*'What must I do to be saved?" It was a good sermon, a 
great deal better than the one I preached at two p. m. at the 
same place. At 5:30 p. m., Chaplain Crews preached at 
Division headquarters. This is the first event of the kind 
in this Divison since our connection with it. There is a 
great change in General Wood, so far as spiritual matters 
are concerned, and I hope he will vet become a sincere 
Christian man. The services were held in the shadow of 
the mountain, and I thought, how pleasant it is thus to wor- 
ship Him, who was God, "before the mountains were 
brought forth." 

We remained in this camp until September ist, enjoving 
life as only soldiers thus situated can. At seven o'clock 
that morning we again took up our march, moving down 
the valley. The road was verv dustv, and marching dis- 
agreeable, but we made twcntv miles, nevertheless. We 
camped about a mile from Jasper. Marion count^'. It is to 
be noted that this is the tirst time we have had anv dust on 
our marches for ten months. Hitherto our marches have 
usually been attended with rain and mud. 

Wp:dnesday, September 2. — Marched at six p. ni., and 
crossed Sequatchie River alter dusk. Came to the Ten- 
nessee opposite Shellmound. Our wagons were sent by 
way of Bridgeport. During the night our Brigade crossed 
the river, using some old flat-bottomed barges for that 
purpose. Barker's Brigade followed ours. Camped near 
Nickajack Cave. The rebels had extensive saltpeter works 
here. 

During Thursda\- and h"rida\-. while our command resttnl 
in this vicinity, nian\' of the bovs availed themselves of the 
opportunity to visit the cave and inspect its many curiosities. 
Some of them found, by actual experience, that the rebel 
saltpeter of the cave was loo much for tiie tabric contained 
in Yankee trousers. There were some inviting places to sit 
down and r(\st, but those who indulged in such a rest found, 
on rising, that tiieir jiantaloons were not in a condition to 
pass inspection, esjiecialh' from the rear rank. 



FIFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA HECUMENT. 171 

This cave was said to have been a great retreat for Indians 
in the olden time. Some specimens of Indian crockery 
were still found there. Shellmound is so called on account 
of being a great collection of shells. This is also said to 
have been the work of Indians, but tor wliat purpose I am 
unable to learn. 

Near the cave lives an old negro catcher and his blood- 
hounds. He is ignorant, ugly and poor. He has never 
been in the cave, a few feet Irom his door. He tells me he 
can catch a "nigger anywhar.'' I never begrudge the Devil 
such men. 

About noon, Saturday, September 5th, we moved from 
Shellmound toward Chattanooga. We passed between 
Raccoon Mountain and the River, the road, for the greater 
part of the time, followed along the bank of the river. 
Then we turned off to the right, marching up a valley, and 
passing bv where an immense bridge liad spanned a deep 
ravine from tiie hinfh hills on either side. This bridge had 
been completely destroyed bv our iViends tiie enemy. After 
marching about ten miles we went into camp in a narrow 
vallev by the side of a runnino- stream. By orders ot Gen- 
eral Wood, no sounding of bugle or drum was permitted 
here, as we were getting pretty close to the rebels. It was 
our purpose, it seems, to tind out all we could as to what 
thev were doing, and how man\' ot them were doing it ; and 
to keep them in ignorance, as much as possible, as to our own 
doings. Wood's Division was in the advance. Generals 
Palmer's and Van Cleve's Divisions were following us. 

Si'NDAY, Sei'TKMber 6. — About eight a. m. we resumed 
our march, but the ambulances and baggage wagons were 
left behind. If the rebels had been disposed to dispute our 
advance the country was well adapted for such purpose. 
But we saw no enemy during the morning. We crossed a 
ridge, passed througli the little village of Whiteside, and 
then hied into Lookout Valley. 

In the village I saw a pretty little girl, nculh- dressed, 
reading the Testament. She had a hue. intelligent face. 



171' ( HAl'LALX HI(iHT"S HISTOKV OF THE 

and seemed unconscious of the war watrini*- around. This 
sight carried my mind back to those Sabbath scenes in which 
I liad lound so much jov and satisfaction in other days. 
Oh, when shall those peaceful Sabbath davs return again? 
May He, who holds the destiny of nations in His hands, 
iiasten the iuippv time. 

From Whiteside I caught m\ tirst glimpse of Lookout 
Mountain. It stood out in majestic grandeur across the 
valley and seemed to be an impassable barrier to our army. 
Further up the valley we could see the point where the 
mountain peak towered high above all the s^urrounding 
bights. It was a grand sight that nature afforded, but we 
are not out looking at beautiful scenery this afternoon. 
There is more serious business at hand. As we moved on 
into IvOokout Valley our advance found the enemy. The 
sound of musketry disturbed the quiet of the Sabbath after- 
noon. But it was only the rebel outposts and they quickh' 
ii^ave way. 

About sundown we went into bivouac in line of battle at 
Wauhatchie Station, having marched about eight miles 
to-dav. The 58th held a position immediately on the left of 
the station house, on a hill in the woods. In plain view was 
the t'amous Lookout Point. Here \\as a rebel signal station. 
We could see their signal flag busih' at work, telegraphing 
all our movements. More than this, the ladies ot Sunimer- 
ville, a resort on the mountains, came in their white dresses 
and sat on the rocks looking at the ^'ankees. The^' re- 
mained there until dark, expecting no doubt to see a battle. 
I have not yet got near enough to an^■ ol these women to 
ask them how the\' liked the looks of the Yankees. 

About ten p. m. I was awakened hv an order to c^\'aciuitt>. 
(rathering up all m\- traps and saddling nn" h()rs(.\ I moved 
olfwitli the Regiment. '^Pht.' enemy, hearing thi' rattle ot 
the artillery, beat the long roll and fell into line. 'l^heN' evi- 
dently expected an attack. i^>iit we went the other wa\' 
until we regained our position at the jilace where we entered 
Lookout \'allr\-. Hei'e we finished our nights repose. 



FIFTV-KKillTIl IMUANA IJKiilMEXT. 17:! 

It is rumored in camp that there has been a little difterence 
between Crittenden and Wood in ret'erence to the move- 
ments of this day. It is said that Wood during- the after- 
noon reported sharp skirmishing. He stated that his ''mili- 
tary knowledge" taught him that his position in the evening 
was a bad one, and asked permission to fall back. Critten- 
den, after reflecting on the "sharp skirmishing," that 
resulted in no casualties, and underscoring military knozvl- 
cdgt\ gave Wood permission to fall back. This was very 
unkind in Crittenden. He should remember that he holds 
his position Irom the fact that he belongs to one of the first 
families of the Blue Grass region, of Kentucky. Wood is 

o 

an old officer who has served his country long and well. 
He was on the ground. Crittenden ought not to have 
indulged in any petulence. Besides all this, W^ood \vas 
right, according to Napoleon. "'Think often in reference 
to your position," said the Emperor. "Ask yourself what 
you would do in case of an assavilt upon an}^ part of your 
forces. If you cannot answer the question, your position is 
a bad one; chancre it immediately." In our front was a 
large camp of rebels. Beyond the mountain, which the 
enemy held, they had another camp. From this latter 
they might pass in the night to our rear, and cut us off" 
fVom our main army. It was therefore proper for us to 
fall back to such a position that we would have them in 
our front if they came down from the mountain. Wood 
was right. 

During Monda^" we remained in camp, waiting develop- 
ments. On Tuesday Ilarker's Brigade made a retonnoi- 
sance up Lookout Valley and had a sharp little brush with 
the enemy, losing; one man. killed. 

Wednesdav, September 9. — We have orders in our 
Brigade to be ready to move on short notice. The intention 
is to make another reconnoissance toward Lookout Valley.* 



* To elicit the truth. General Rosccrans directed General Thomas to 
send Colonel Atkins, of the y^d Illinois, to make a reconnoissance toward 
Chattanooija 011 the mountain road earlv on the 9th, and instructed General 



171- (JIAI'LAIX IlKiHT'S HlSTOh'V (»K THK 

But before we start, word comes that the rebels are evacuat- 
ing Chattanooga, so we move at once in tliat direction. 
There is a grreat rush n(jw to jret to the front. There was 
not so much of a desire to rush that wa\- awhile ago. Now 
that the dog is dead, evervbodv wants to get in at the burial. 
Infantry, artillery, and especial!}' the cavalry, are all in hot 
haste to get there first. 

About ten o'clock a. m. we entered the town, the few 
straggling rebel calvarv clearing out as we approached. 
We found a few inhabitants, only. Most of them had gone 
out to the countrv to avoid the shells which had been fired 
into the town from Wagner's batteries across the river. 
These citizens returned after our occupancy of the town and 
showed a desire to make terms of peace. 

Chattanooga is admirably adapted for a militarv depot, 
and is a situation easily defended. In the tov/n there are 
numerous hospitals and large and commodious store houses. 
Soon after arriving I took occasion to ride about the town. 
War is sadlv written on ever^'thing and there is a desolate 
and dilapidated appearance about the streets and iiouses. 

We camped for the night on a high hill near the banks of 
the river. Many of our bo^'s availed themselves of the 
opportunity of taking a bath in the river. I slept that night 
on a new door which I found at the planing mill near our 
camp. Bv the wav, I have never yet found the soft side ol 
a board. 



Crittenden to send a Brigade up an almost impracticable path, called the 
N'ickajack Trace, to Siimmertown, a hamlet on the mountain, to reconnoiter 
the tront'of the mountain, and to hold the main portions of his Corps in 
readiness to support the troops on reconnoissance, to prevent a sortie of the 
enemv o\er the nose of Lookout, or to enter Chattanooga should the enemy 
evacuate or make feel)le resistance. — [ I'm/ Horiu's History of llic Army of 
tlir C limber hi ml . 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Cmc'KAMAU(;A Mo\'EMENTS AND POSITION OF THE ArMV 

— Crittenden's Corps Moves after Bragg — Stub- 
born Opposition — Discovery of Rebel Plans — 
Critical Condition of Rosecrans' Army — Concf;n- 

TRATING AT LeE & GoRDON's MiLLS OpEXING OF 

the Battle — Fifty-eighth in the Fight — Charg- 
ing THE Enemy — Noble Lives Sacrificed — A Night 
ON THE Battlefield — Changing Position — Battle 
OF the 20TH — Break in the Lines — Confusion and 
Disaster — The Rebels Checked — Rose;crans' 
Army Saved. 



IN order to more fully understand the situation and the 
events that are to tbllow, it will be necessary to take a 
general view of the armv under General Rosecrans. The 
movements of Crittenden's Corps have already been 
sufficient! V explained, so we will turn attention to the other 
two Corps of the army. 

General Thomas crossed the Tennessee at four different 
points — Caperton's Ferrv, Bridgeport, mouth of Battle 
Creek, and Shellmound — and crossing Sand Mountain on 
converging roads, united in Wills or Lookout Valley, in the 
vicinity of Trenton. 

General McCook's 20th Corps crossed the river larthor 
south and marched over some verv rough roads, crossing 
Sand Mountain to Vallev Head, at the foot of Lookout 
Mountain. 

All these movements, including- those of Crittenden's 
Corps, previously mentioned, were completed by the 6th of 
September. The armv of General Rosecrans at that time 
lay along the western base of Lookout Mountain, tVom 
W'auhatchie. the position held b\' (reneral Wood's Division. 



I 70 CHAI'LAIN Jll(iHT"S HlSTOl.'V OF I'MK 

to X'alle}' Head — McCook's position — a point thirty-tive 
miles distant. The plan for crossing the river and advanc- 
ing on the rebel stronghold in Chattanooga had thus far 
been successtul. and the commanding General had reason to 
congratulate himself. But the enemv was ye{ in Chatta- 
nooga, the objective point of the campaign. To dislodge 
him it would be necessary, either to carrv the point of Look- 
out Mountain, where there is only a narrow passage between 
it and the river, or, to cross the mountain through the gaps 
further south and threaten Bragg's line of communication. 
.\s the tbrmer scheme seemed to be imjiracticable the plan 
of crossing the mountain tarther south was adopted. 
Accordingly, General Thomas and General McCook were 
ordered to move their commands across the mountain — 
Thomas to cross bv Frick's, Cooper's and Steven's gaps, 
and occupy the head of WcLemore's Cove. McCook was 
to move across the mountain into Broomtown \alley, and to 
support the cavalry in a reconnoissance against Lafayette 
and Rome. 

These movements were all remarkably successful, and 
resulted in forcing Bragg out of Chattanooga. It was a 
great victory, and there was great rejoicing in its accom- 
jilishment with so little sacrifice. There was a general belief 
among soldiers of Rosecrans' army, that Bragg's army was 
now in full retreat through Georgia. This opinion was 
siiared by the people generally, but we all found lu)\v badly 
we were mistaken a few da\s later. We soon learned, 
that while Bragg was in Chattanooga he was a less formi- 
dable foe than when he had thrown his army against Rose- 
crans', scattered as it \vas among the mountains, tor a 
distance of nearly t'orU- miles. Bragg was quick to see his 
advantage, and by his rapid moNcments toward Rome, led 
Rosecrans to believe, at first, that his em-my was in full 
retreat, far southward. ( General Rosecrans soon discovered 
his error, however, and then it was that his own situation 
became alarming. With his three corps scattered as they 
were, neither detachment bring within supporting distance 



FIFTV-KKrHTH INDIANA l.'K(iLAIKNT. 177 

of the other, hedt^ed in bv impassable mountains, it did not 
require much military knowledge to understand how easy it 
would be for Bragg" to crush each detachment in detail. 
This was Bragg"s purpose, and, except for a tardiness and 
a blunder on the part of his own officers, it would most 
likely haye been accomplished.* 

The foregoing will suffice for an account of the general 
moyements of the army, and we may now resume the thread 
of our story in regard to the moyements of our own K.egi- 
ment, and the part of the army with which it was more 
immediately connected. 

Thursday, September io. — It was in the nature of a 
surprise to most of us when the orders came to march this 
morning. About ten o'clock we moved out on the road to 

* In the effort to defeat Rosecrans in detail, Bragg's first combination was 
direct against Tliomas; and this fact doubtless saved Crittenden's Corps, 
which was in air and in no state of preparation to resist the attack of an 
equal force, much less a great army. McCook's Corps was at the same time 
in complete insulation at Alpine, and not far from Bragg's army. Thus far 
the mo\ements of the three columns met the expectations and wishes of the 
rebel comniander. Crittenden had diverged to the east on the Ringgold 
road; McCook had advanced far from support, and Thomas had moved 
directlv toward his armv. His army now comprised about fifty thousand 
men. He had been joined by two Divisions from Mississippi, and his own 
estimate placed his infantry at thirty -five thousand men; and almost into the 
midst of this vast armv Xegley had penetrated. As soon as his head of 
column had appeared at McLemore's Cove. General Bragg had given orders 
for a movement in great force against him. At midnight on the 9th, he 
gave orders to General Hindman to adxance with his Division to Davi^" 
Cross roads, in Xegley's front, to co-operate with Cleburne's Division and a 
force of cavalry from Hill's corps. Cleburne being sick and Dug and Cat- 
lett's Gap being heavily obstructed. CJeneral Hill failed in his part of the 
combination; but Hindman advanced and was at Morgan's three or four 
miles from Negley. earlv in the afternoon of the loth. To prevent a mis- 
carriage of the movement altogether, at eight a. m. General Bragg ordered 
Buckner with his Corps to join Hindman at NIorgan's three miles from 
Davis' Cross-roads, and verv near to Negley. Bragg was very urgent in 
regard to the movement, as he had inferred that the three advancing columns 
were moving for concentration near his position. To assure success by giv- 
ing strong support to the forces already in Xegley's front, he directed (ien- 
eral Polk to send a Division of his Corps to Andei'son's. to cover Hindman 
during his operations. Fortunately for Xegley and the army there was 
delay. Hindman propo-ed a change of plan, and in waiting for instructions 
the dav passed awav. General Bragg refused to modify his orders, and at 
midnight repeated them with emphasis. Xegley. as has been seen, was still 
unsupported and in ignorance of the elaborate combination which had been 
formed to overwhelm and cajiture him, for in addition to the foiu" Di\isions 
at Morgan's and Anderson's. Walker's corps was ordered to support Cle- 
burne at Dug Gap. — [I'a// Home's History of flic Army of the Cinii- 
berhxtid . 



17!; CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTORY OF THK 

Lafayette, passing through Rossville and turning off toward 
Ringgold. Palmer's and Van Cleve's Divisions are in our 
advance. Wagner's Brigade, of Wood's Division, was left 
in Chattanooga as provost guards. We marched about ten 
miles, camping at night near a new bridge across Chicka- 
mauga Creek. The rebel cavalry, in large numbers, are 
near us. This evening they made an attack, dashing into 
camp and capturing about sixty-tive men belonging to Gen- 
eral Palmer's Corps. Our Brigade was called into line to 
resist an attack, but the rebels did not follow it up. 

Friday, September ii. — ChickcDiiauga ! Name destined 
to live in historv forever I It is said that the Indian word 
means "The River of Death." How little did we dream 
on this loveh' Friday morning that this name, perhaps con- 
ferred because of some dark Indian tragedies, was soon to 
be rendered sadly appropriate I How little did the hundreds 
who bathed themselves in its waters think that it would 
drink the blood of many of them. 

Harker's Brigade moved across tlie country to see what 
the cavahy meant, which hung about us. Buell's Brigade, 
under the direction of General Wood, moved about two 
miles farther towards Ringgold. Here we remained until 
near night. The rebel cavalry still prowled about our lines. 
At one time they assaulted our train, but were repulsed. 
An hour by sun we fell in, and marched across the country 
to the right. We marched for a mile or two along the south 
side of a range of hills. We then crossed over the ridge, 
and soon came again to the Chickamauga. The bridge was 
torn up. A few moments' work repaired it. We were here 
a mile or two higher up the creek than where we camped 
the preceding night. We found extensive signs of the rebel 
cavalry camps of the preceding night. After crossing the 
bridge there were two roads — one leading to Lafayette and 
the other to Chattanooga. We took the latter. We con- 
tined to advance on ti)is road until we defiled into tiie main 
Chattanooga and Lafayette road. The Brigade then faced 
boldlv south and marched in the trail of Harker. He had 



FTFTV-EHrHTH INDIANA J.'ECilMKNT. 17'.) 

l^een drivini^ the enemy all day. They were in superior 
numbers, and drove verv stubbornly. But by presenting 
almost his entire Brigade in a line of skirmishers he suc- 
ceeded in impressing them with the idea that his force was 
large. About eleven p. m. we arrived at "Lee and Gordon's 
Mills," on the Chickamauga River. Tt seemed to me that 
we marched eight miles. 

Here we met wonderful, and I have no doubt true, tales 
of the proximity of the rebels. Bragg, A. P. Hill and Polk 
had been here the preceding night. The w^hole rebel army 
was so near that we could see their camp lires and hear their 
drums. 

The followincr day we lay about in the sun all day. 
Palmer and Van Cleve came up in the course of the after- 
noon and camped beyond the Chickamauga. 

On Sunday we took up a strong position in line of battle. 
An attack seems to have been anticipated. In the evening 
I preached a sermon from Micah iv : 1-4, to a large congre- 
gation. There was good attention. 

From Monday to Thursday we maintained the same posi- 
tion. Palmer and Van Cleve moved to our right, driving 
the rebels from Crawlish Springs. There was some little 
skirmishing. 

Friday, September 18. — This morning I was busily 
engaged in fixing my tent when orders came to "fall in." 
The Regiment was ordered into position about eleven or 
twelve o'clock. The right wing went into an open iield 
near the bank of the mill pond. The left wing took up a 
position in the edge of the timber as flankers. The enemy 
was reported to be approaching in force. A private of the 
8th Indiana Battery, by climbing a tree, got a sight of the 
enemy. ^ Not thinking him reliable Sergeant Alvis was 
sent up. He saw the enemy come up in force, and on 
double quick, and pass to the left. A number of shots were 
fired by the 8th Indiana Ijattery and the 6th Ohio. Van 
Cleve's Division passed from Crawfish Springs to our left. 
The enemy continued to move to the left. They crossed 



ij!(> cHAiM.AiN iii(iiri'"s iiisroin of tiik 

the Chickamaiiga where we had crossed it ihe preceding 
Friday. Thev vigoroiisly engaged Minty s and Wilder's 
Brigades of cavah-\', dri\ing tliem back. Near chirk I went 
to our Division tield hospital, about one-halt" mile trom 
Crawtish Springs. While on the wdy niv ears were saluted 
bv keen and continuous musketry, Ibllowed by loud cheer- 
ing on our left. I do not know the cause. 

At the hospital ot the ist and 3d Brigades I found near 
fifty of Wilder's and Minty's men wounded. Among them 
was Lieutenant Drury. Chief of Ordnance on Colonel 
\\'ilder"s statf. His foot had been almost torn otf by a shot, 
yet he did not dismount. After hunting up Colonel Wilder 
and reporting to him his condition he rode back to the 
ambulance. When I saw him iiis leg had been amputated, 
lie was resting comfortabh'. 

Saturday, Septembkk 19. — Last night was very cold, 
I did not rest well, partly on that account, but more on 
account of my mistriyings lor to-da\'. 1 have been about 
too much not to know that we are on the eve of a battle. 
I know also that to us will not necessarily be the victory, 
because it is us. 1 have eyer\' reason to anticipate a most 
terrible assault. All nigiit our troops have been passing from 
right to left. Brannan's Division, and all of General 
Thomas' Corps changed their position. There was but little 
lighting early in the daw 1 rode down to the Regiment. I 
foimd them h'ing in the same position. About twelve I 
returned to the hospital. On the way I met General Rose- 
crans, in full gallop, at the head of McCook's Corps. 
Instantly I saw that he had accepted battle. I told them at 
the hospital that in thirt^■ minutes the}' might listen for the 
rattle of musketry. It came. McCook's Corps continued 
to pass. The hospital was uncovered by these movements. 
All things were loaded uj") and moved toward ihr tiring. I 
went with the hospital department. 

At 2 : 30 p. m. orders came to the 58th Indiana in their 
position, one-halt mile to liie right of Lee antl ( Gordon's 
Mills, to call in ]")ickcts and skirmishers. ]")ix'j')aralor\- to going 



KIFTV-KI(;HTH INDIANA KKii 1 M KN'I'. l»j 

to the battle, two miles and a halt to their lett. A part came 
in, and the rest were almost in, when the order was counter- 
manded. They were sent out a^ain. In a tew minutes 
thev were again ordered in. Before thev reached the Reg- 
iment, it liad moved oti' to the scene ot^ action. It went on 
double quick. The Regiment took position to the let't ot" 
the road on which we had come on our march to Lee and 
Gordon's ^Nlills. 

In their rear were some rail breastworks. In front, on the 
left, a dw^elling and a stable, a paling garden fence, and 
other obstructions. The caissons of tw^o batteries were before 
them, and still in acKance of these the guns of the 8th Indi- 
ana Batter\' in action. 

The Regiment was ordered to lie down. Then thev 
were ordered to fix bayonets. By this time, Davis' men in 
front were falling back in confusion. The caissons of the 
two Batteries and two guns came running and turned, pell 
mell, through our Regimental lines. Several of our men 
were injured. Our line was sadlv broken. The order was 
given to charge. The Regiment pressed forward as best 
the}^ could. But the line could not be maintained, on 
account of the house, the fence, the stable, and the endless 
confusion of the hour. 

But, notwithstanding these obstructions, and the general 
confusion that reigned about them, the ist Brigade went into 
the charge with a vim and vigor that would have accom- 
plished victor}', if such a thing was possible. But it was 
simply not within the range of possibilities. The men 
pressed forward as best they could, closing up the line after 
the obstructions had been passed. Across the road, into an 
open field they went. The right of the 58th was in the open 
space, the left Companies advancing in a little skirt of 
timber. For a few minutes, all was comparativelv quiet in 
front of our lines. Then the storm bursted. The rebels had 
pressed the Regiments back on our left flank and upon our 
right, and now turned with redoubled fury upon our Brigade. 
Companies B, G and K. on the left of the Regiment, had 



1»L> CHAPLAIN llKiHT'S UlSTOlfV OF THK 

advanced to within a few yards of the enemy, lying upon 
the ground, before they were discovered. Then the rebels 
raised up and poured a deadly volley into our ranks. The 
fire was returned, and tor a few minutes the air was so tilled 
with smoke that it was impossible to see anyone at a distance 
of a few feet. The firing was at short range, and the 
destruction was terrible. Poinding that they were in a trap 
and without support, our men withdrew in considerable 
haste and with some contusion, leaving several killed and 
wounded on the grounds. The right of the Regiment, being 
in the open field, did not get in such close quarters with the 
rebels, and consequently did not suffer so much. When Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Embree saw the extremelv hazardous situation 
in which the Regiment was placed, he ordered a retreat. 
This order w'as heard and obeved bv the right wing of the 
Regiment, but the Companies of the left wing did not get 
the order until it was too late to extricate themselves from 
the deadlv ambuscade in the woods. 

Within a verv short time, the scattered fragments of the 
Regiment came together on a new line, which was formed 
behind the house, where they had first formed. Here thev 
assisted in repelling a charge of the enemy, and followed 
them, driving them beyond the road again. In a short time 
the rebels rallied, and drove us back to our former position. 
Several charges and counter-charges were made across this 
field during the afternoon, but without an\- jiermanent 
advantaofe to either side. At the edtje of the woods, a little 
distance beyond the house, was a hastilv erected breastwork, 
made from fence rails. This was the rallying point for our 
Brigade, and from here there was poured a destructive fire 
into the ranks of the enemy as they came within range. 

Colonel Buell, commanding the Brigade, having had two 
horses shot luider him up to this time, mounted the tem- 
porar\- breastworks and with hat in hand urged his men to 
stand their ground. Tlie contest was short. The enem\-, 
although greatly outnumbering our little torce at tliis point, 
could not w ithstaiul the galling tin* that was jioured into their 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA I{F(il.MKNT. l!i:i 

ranks at short range. After two or three well directed vol- 
leys the rebels turned and fied. Colonel Buell then called 
to his Regiment to follow him in a charge after the retreat- 
ing enemy. With a wild cheer they leaped over the rail 
barricade and started. Other Regiments on that part of tlie 
line joined in the charge, and the enemy was driven back to 
the w^oods beyond the tield, where we had our first engage- 
ment of the afternoon ; thus all the ground lost was recov- 
ered. 

This was about the last of the lighting that evening except 
skirmish tiring, which at times became almost equal to a 
general engagement. Three and sometimes lour Companies 
of the 58th were required for skirmish duty, while the Regi- 
ment was lying in line of battle waiting developments of the 
enemy. 

About seven o'clock the two opposing armies rested in 
battle array, each in a condition of watchtulness, but neither 
with a disposition to continue the tight during the night. It 
was very certain that Rosecrans' army had all they wanted 
for that day, and it was equally certain that Bragg' s army 
was not spoiling for any more tight. Each army was will- 
ing to wait until next day before renewing the conflict. So 
we remain resting on our arms during the night. And a 
terrible night it was ; very cool, and no fires could be per- 
mitted. All around were the dead and dying. The cries 
and moans of the wounded are most distressing. The most 
horrible features of a battle are the experiences of the living 
soldier on the field the night after the battle. 

This has been a da^• of sad experience for the 58th Indi- 
ana. Their losses in killed and wounded have been terrible. 
Let us go back over the events of the day, and note some of 
the casualties in our Regiment : 

Among the mortally wounded was Captain Charles II. 
Bruce, of Compan^' K, who was as gentle a spirit and as 
true a patriot as ever fell in Liberty's cause. He tell in the 
first charge, and died nt'xt dav at the field hospital, while 
tlie battle still ra^ed all around liim. We left him on oin* 



liM. CIIAI'LAIX IlKillT'S IIISTOHV OF TMK 

retreat, with his head at the root of a tree and his blanket 
wrapped around him. Captain Bruce was only twenty-two 
vears ot age, and was a tine. looking officer, and a courteous 
gentleman in every respect. lie served through the three 
months' service as bugler in the iith Indiana. Was com- 
missioned 1st Lieutenant in Company K, 58th Indiana, in 
November, 1861, and a few months afterw^ard w^as promoted 
to the captaincy. He served for some time as Chief of Ord- 
nance, on General HascalFs staf^\ 

Of Captain Bruce's Company of twenty-three non-com- 
missioned officers and men, three were killed on this same 
charge. They were Corporal J. C. Reneer, and Privates 
Alex Knox and Matthew^ Swan. 

In Company G, Corporal Thomas Dedman, and Privates 
Obediah Wyatt and William Rock were killed. 

Company B suffered severely' in this first charge. Pri- 
vates B. A. Low^ry, Robert L. Wallace, Ham Woods, W. E. 
Thompson, James W. Cochran, were killed outright, and 
Corporal Samuel K. Carnahan, John R. Sprowl, and Lieu- 
tenant James D. Foster were mortally wounded. A number 
of others were severely wounded in this Company, and 
several were taken prisoners in this first charge. The loss 
in Company B was thirty, out ot sixtN'-one officers and men 
w^ho went into the fight on this ciiarge. 

Among the killed at other times, during the afternoon, 
were James A. Broiles, of K ; Kzekiel Boren, of A ; W illiam 
Robinson, of D. Mortally wounded, Lindsey Holder, of C. 

William Robinson was perfectly conscious that he would 
not live, and made several simple requests of his comrades, as 
to messages to friends, etc. He was taken to the field 
hospital but told them not to put him in the tent, as that was 
needed for those w'ho might live. He only asked to be 
placed in an easy position and given some water. The poor 
fellow dii'd during the night. 

Robinson was a great big, large hearted fellow^ somew-hat 
rougii in his manner, but withal of a gentle disposition. I 
remember that he once cann' to m^' gate, whili' I was jiastor 



FIFTV-KKiHTlI IXIUANA I.'FJMMKNT. l!!.-) 

of the M. E. Church, at Princeton, and gave me live dolUirs 
towards repairing the church. This was as much as the 
leading members could be persuaded to give. In giving his 
life for his country he showed himself a better man than 
many whose professions are much more loud. 

Of Company E, Sergeant Gilbert Armstrong, a famous 
sharpshooter, who sported a Henry rifle, was severely 
wounded in tiie shoulder. The history of this man is full of 
thrilling interest. lie was in the Mexican war. He was a 
Western steamboatman in the meantime. His rill- was a 
present from his tellow soldiers. AMien lu- was wounded 
he gave his rifle to Lieutenant H.J. Barnett, of C()mpan\' V. 

I must not omit to drop a tear to the memory* of "Grant,'' 
a celebrated flghting cock, belonging to the old sharp- 
shooter. He had long rode in the ambulance to the exclu- 
sion of weary men's knapsacks and the annoyance of the 
sick. He was a great terror to my mare, wiio always 
passed him on double quick. He was appropriately lel't on 
the battlefield. When he could be seen no more he was 
heard to crow. Poor rooster, I tear — nay, hope — he was 
eaten by some hungr\' soldiers on that fatal frosty night. 

I was on the field at a late hour of the night, gathering up 
the wounded. I conducted a train of ambulances to the field 
and back to the hospital after all the wounded were in. 

We had one hospital tent up. It was full of suflering 
men. Lieutenant Drury. who had been hauled about all 
day in the ambulance with one leg ofl', lay (juietly in one 
corner. Captain Bruce was about midway on the same 
side, fully conscious that his end was near. Captain Davis 
was opposite, seemingh- the worst wounded man in the lent. 
On every side were men suffering untold agony. Outside 
of the tent and near the corner were Robinson and Carna- 
han. Poor Carnahan was mortally wounded in the abdomen. 
He could not understand wh^' he was not put in the tent, 
and why his wounds were not dressed. The tent might be 
of use to some — not to him. His sulferings w ere great. He 
did not die until next da\- near noon. 



HU; ( IIAI'L.MX MKiHT'S IIISTOIJV OF TIIK 

There was a row ot' rail tires in tin- front and rear of the 
tents, tor the ni^ht was extremely eold tor September. 
About these lay, or huddled, the sutlering victims of blooch' 
Chickamanga. Of course amid such scenes there was but 
little sleep or rest. 

Such is a feeble account of the doings of mv own Regi- 
ment on this noted day. May we never see such a dav 
again. 

Sunday, September 20. — By request of Doctor Blair, I 
started earlv with our Rejjimental ambulance, driven bv 
John Everett, to hunt up our wounded in the various hos- 
pitals. We first visited Van Cleve's and Palmer's. At the 
former we ftfund several of our men and took them to our 
own hospital. We then went to Reynolds and Davis. By 
this time the battle was already raging. I had hoped that 
tiie quiet of the Sabbath would not be broken. 

When I arrived at our hospital, I made out a list of the 
killed, wounded and missing, as far as I could gain the nec- 
essary information. 

Soon wounded men from our Brigade began to arrive. 
All reported that our men were being driven. None of the 
58th were brought in. 

Two pieces of artillery, which were at the brick house, 
near Crawfish Springs, were taken to the left. The cavalr\' 
went out and retvu'ned. About eleven a. ni. the cayalr\- 
formed immediately in front of tiie hospital, thus indicating 
that Gordon's Mills had been abandoned by our infantry. 
It was plain that the cjav was lost, utterly and irretrievabh- 
lost. What must I do? If I remain with the wounded, and 
tall into rebel hands, I can not hope for proper treatment, 
for the rebels utterly despise Yankee preachers. As for 
leaving, I could not think of doing so without orders, unless 
I went to the Regiment, and they were driven I knew not 
where. So I saddled my horse, and "w'aited for something 
to turn uji." I suppose that it was about twelve m. when 
Doctor Phelps, of (jeneral Crittenden's stafl', rode u)") and 
ordered tlial (•\er\- man and thiuLr. that could be, should he 



FIFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA IfKCilMKNT. 187 

moved towards Chattanoojjra h\ tho hill road. It was ]-)ilirul 
to leave our brave and suffering men in the hands ot' rebels. 

"You are not going to leave us, are \ou? ' asked the 
silent and suffering Captain Davis, of Compan\' A. 

"Can \()u not get an ambulance and take us?" said Ser- 
geant Keeler, of Company- B, meaning himself and the old 
sharpshooter, Gilbert Armstrong. 

I went to see, but never returned to communicate the neg- 
ative. I never expected to see either of them again. All 
w^ho could walk w^ere sent forward. The wasfons were 
loaded up and the train started. Doctors Holtzman and 
Downe^•, Steward Burch, Anthonv Lindsey and John A. 
Baldwin remained to care for our wounded. The cavalry 
left our front and took up the vallev, parallel to the hill road 
and next Lookout Mountain. 

It was a motlev train and crowd that moved along the 
hill road between Crawtish Springs and Missionar^' Ridge. 
There were M. D.'s in abundance. There were musicians 
carrviuL!" drums and saxehorns, with tlie usual red rao- to tell 
the tale of their devotions to the w'ounded. There w^ere 
parsons, with straight coats and sad faces. Of negroes there 
were everv shade and size, but the accustomed sfrin was 
gone I The order w-as "Close up I Close up I" Vn\\ the 
long train moved slow, like 

"That iiimimerablc caravan tlial moves 
To the pale reahns, where each 
Shall take his chamlier in the silent halls of death." 

Inhere was no haste and no confusion. You might hear 
almost anvthing 'S'ou pleased. All kinds of tales were float- 
ing along the line. It was said at first that we were "going 
up here to a vallev, where water was plentv. " But we 
continued on our winding wav until we reached Chatta- 
nooga. It must have been midnight when the remains of 
our hospital sought rest on the ground near the Brown hos- 
pitals. 

liut let us retiuMi lo the records ol" the 5(Sih Ivegiment for 
the dav. 



iJli; CHAIM.UN HKillT'S IIISTOHY OK THK 

During Saturday niyht the pickets were twice driven in 
and several shots \\'ere tired by and at the Regiment. But 
no casualties on our side. 

At two o'clock a. m. the Regiment moved to a new posi- 
tion about a mile and a half to the left. Here thev took a 
place in tlie reserve, and before the dawning of the day the 
weary soldiers prepared some coffee and partook of a frugal 
meal, the tirst they had enjoved for nearly twenty-four 
hours. There had begun to be a feeling that there would 
be no fighting to-day, but this idea was soon dissipated. 
Even before all had finished their coffee, orders came to 
move. The Regiment formed in line and advanced a few 
hundred 3'ards tow^ards the front. By this time the sun was 
well up and the atmosphere w^as more pleasant. No sound 
of a renewal of the battle yet, but it was not long after they 
got into position until the sounds came echoing over the 
hills from the left, telling that "the battle was on once 
more." 

The intention was to issue rations to the Regiment here, 
and the work had partly begun, w^hen orders came to move 
on up to the line ot battle in our tVont. In the meantime, 
details were made from each Compan\^ to draw the rations 
and follow on after the Regiment. This they attempted to 
do, but failed on account of a disaster that fell upon that 
part of our lines shortly alter. As it turned out the rations 
were lost and some of the detail were captured. But this is 
anticipating. 

In obedience to ordt^rs, (jeneral W Oods I)i\ision moxiul 
up and took j^osition in line of batlU\ filling a phun^ thai had 
been occupied bv (xeneral Negle\"s Division. A teniporar\' 
breastwork of rails and logs had been constructed ah)ng the 
edge of a woods, overlooking a field and a woods beyond. 
We took a position behind this rude detence and threw out 
a line of skirmishers. It was not long until they developed 
the enem\-. lie was across in the opposite woods in large 
numbers. Vov some time heavy liring betwecMi oui" skir- 
mishers and the rebt'l line was ke]")t up. but no achanee was 



FJFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA HEGIMENT. 189 

made. Away to the left, General Thomas' Corps was seri- 
ousl}' engaged, as was evident from the roar of artiller}'^ and 
mvisketry. News came that Thomas was heavily pressed, 
and all available troops were sent to his assistance. Still 
evervthing was comparatively quiet in our front. But our 
time was coming. After an hour or so of desultory skir- 
mish firing. General Wood ordered the Brigade to follow the 
Division in a movement to close up on Reynolds. This 
move was in obedience to a written order from General 
Rosecrans, but it was given by the commanding General 
under a misapprehension of the facts. It was a serious mis- 
take, as we shall see.* 

Lieutenant Zack Jones, of Colonel Buell's statT, was sent 
to the officer in command of our skirmishers with an order 
to have them retire to the line of battle, and rejoin the Regi- 
ment, which was then on the move. The skirmishers were 
accordingly called in and started after the Regiment. But 
this movement was observed by the enemy and they quickly 

* Following is a copy of the order to General Wood: 

Headqlarters Department of the Cumberland, ) 

September 20, 10:45 a. m. \ 
Brii^adicr-Gcucral Wood, Command hig Difisiou : 

The General commanding directs that you close up on Reynolds as fast 
as possible, and support him. Respectfully, etc., 

FRANK S. BOND, 
Major and Aid de Camp. 

Concerning this movement, V'ati Homes History of the Army of the 
Cumberland, \o\. i, page 347, says: 

Regarding this order as too explicit in requirement, and too imperati\ e in 
tone to warrant any discretion as to obedience. General Wood withdrew his 
Division with promptness. Mis left was aligned with Brannan's right, and 
he saw no wav to close upon Reynolds but to withdraw from line and pass 
to the left, in the rear of Brannan. Having advised General McCook that 
tiiis change would be made. General Wood moved his Di\ision rajiidly from 
line. Brannan was not out of line, Reynolds was not under pressure, and 
W^ood moved from line at the \ery moment of the enemy's attack. General 
Davis threw his reser\e Brigade toward the wide vacant space, but the 
heavy columns of the enemy were soon upon it, and Davis' two small Brig- 
ades were speedily enveloped. His troops resisted bravely, but assaulted in 
front, flank, and rear, they were lifted from position and hurled in fragments 
toward Missionary Ridge. The attack and issue were too sudden for Lai- 
boldt to move to his assistance, and the latter was quickly routed. Buell's 
Brigade, of Wood's Division, the last to leave position, was severed as it 
retired, and Brannan's was struck in flank. 



100 



CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOKV OF THE 



took advantage of it. There was a gap in the line lett bv 
Wood's Division moving out. When the skirmishers 
reached the line the enemy was close after them. The few 
scattering men attempted to hold back the great mass of 
rebels that pressed onto them, but it was useless. Our lines 
were broken, and the divisions on either side of tiie gap were 
struck in the liank, and thrown into confusion. Imme- 
diately the broken columns were thrown into a state border- 
ing on a panic. In the rear of our lines there was an open 

field, with a gradual slope 
to the center and a grad- 
ual ascent to a piece of 
timber on tlie opposite 
side. Across this field 
our broken columns were 
fiving, in utter demorali- 
zation. There were men, 
horses without riders, 
sections of artillerv, and 
the various other appoint- 
ments of an arm\-, all 
rusiiing in a contused and 
indiscriminate race for a 
place of safety. In the 
meantime the rebels had 
advanced their lines to 
the ridge where we had 
been, and liad turned 
uj")on us the guns which 
they had captured. vShot and shell, and cannister, 
screamed and shrieked over the flving fugitives, making a 
scene, and causing sounds in which ihc ver\- demons of the 
infernal regions might well find delight. But it was a sad 
and sorrowful sight for loval, union loving people. So far 
as one could see who was in the midst ot it, the rout involved 
the whole of General Rosecrans' magnificent army, and it 

* Killed near ^'iIK'_varcl house. Se|>t. 19, 186^. I'or sketch see page 1S3. 




C AI'TAIN CIIAS. 71. nRl^CE, CO. K .* 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA «E(iIMENT. 1 !i 1 

seemed our cause was lost. It was not a question of the 
sacrifice of one life or many lives at such a time, but was 
whether there was any sacrifice sufficient to stay the impend- 
ing ruin. 

But, Ibrtunately, things were not as bad as they appeared. 
Things seldom are. Certainly they might have been worse 
in this instance. The rebels might have followed on after 
our broken and demoralized troops, instead of stopping on 
the ridge, and contenting themselves with throwing shells 
after them. Shells make a terrible noise and are somewhat 
frightful, but thev are not dangerous, in proportion to 
their size and sound. They serve a useful purpose, in 
more thoroughly scaring a body of demoralized troops, 
but a scared soldier is apt to be more useful than a dead one. 

"He who fights and runs a\va_\'. 
May live to fight another day."" 

It was that wa^' in this case. The most of these were 
ready to tight again, and much harder, and much more 
effectively, this same day. By the time the}- reached the 
edofc of the woods, on the other side of the field, the dis- 
ordered troops had, in a measure, recovered from their 
panic. As broken Regiments and Brigades found each 
other, and regained their position in line, their old con- 
fidence returned, and they were again read}' to meet the 
enemy. 

For a time the 58th was separated from the other Regi- 
ments of the Brigade, but there was never a time when the 
organization was not in a condition for service, and under 
proper discipline. There were individuals and parts of Com- 
panies, who were for a time separated from the Regiment, 
but in the main, it ma^' truthfully be said, the organization of 
the 58th was intact during the day. After being caught in 
the whirlwind that sent the great mass of our troops back 
across that field, the 58th rallied on the opposite hill, and 
took a position in the new line of battle that was there 
formed. Here they held the rebels at bay and stopped their 
mad progress in that direction. 



192 CHArLALN EIGHT'S HiSTOia OF THE 

The Regiment had some sharp engagements during the 
time thev were on this part of the held. In one of these 
Lieutenant Hugh J. Barnett, of Company F, was mortally 
wounded. He was leading a detachment of the Regiment 
in a charge when he fell. Poor Barnett lay where he fell 
for five davs before death relieved him of his suffering, as 
we afterward learned. At the time he was sliot he had 
the Henry rifle, belonging to Gilbert Armstrong, wlio was 
wounded yesterday. The rebels took the gun and all his 
clothing and valuables, but did not render any assistance to 
the wounded man. They did not even bur^' him after he 
was dead, but left the body to decay above ground. There 
is but one place where such heartlessness as tliis can be 
properly rewarded . 

Lieutenant Barnett was one of our best and bravest men. 
He was full of life and fun, and did much to drive away the 
despondency and gloom of a soldier's life. He was 
known b^' every man in the Regiment and was well liked 
by all. He was a moral, upright christian man, and active 
in religious work in the Regiment. 

Later in the afternoon, the 58th was tbrmed in a low piece 
of ground, about a half mile from their former position. 
They were ordered to ad\'ance in a line supporting a battery. 
At this time there appeared in their front at least a Brigade 
of men, dressed in dark clotliing, and with battle flags some- 
what like ours. Thev came up in good order, bayonets 
fixed, and guns at "right shoulder shift." A discussion 
arose among our officers as to who these troops were, 
whether friends or foes. Colonel Embree and another Col- 
onel contended that they were enemies. Some of the 
line officers and men thought they were friends ; but the 
former opinion was correct, as was soon demonstrated. 
The^■ proved to be a jiortion ot J^ongstreet's Corps, whicli 
liad just arrived from \'irginia. Our men were not accus- 
tomed to seeing their enemies in any otlier dress than the reg- 
ulation butternut. 15ut the troojis under discussion soon con- 
vinced everyone of their truf character by pomnng a Nolley 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 11);) 

into our ranks. Many of our men were wounded b\- this 
volle3% and two or three killed. Our men returned the tire 
in a vigorous manner, but the enemy continued to press tor- 
ward. Soon another force came up on our right flank, and 
the position became untenable. The Regiment fell back 
and rallied again on the colors, on a hill Rome\vhat to tlie 
left and rear of our former position. In this movement a 
part of the Regiment became separated iVom tlie others, and 
on account of the confusion of the hour the detachments 
could not be gotten together for some time. However, b\' 
this time the contest on that part of the tield had become a 
kind of a free fight, and there was no difficulty in a soldier, 
who was so inclined, finding a situation w-here he could get 
all the fighting he could attend to. It was a fact, that some 
of the best and most effective fighting that was done that 
afternoon, was by detached bodies of troops that liad 
been separated from their commands. Some of the 58th 
officers and men, that were thus cut off, did excellent service 
in this w^ay. To these men, wuth others, who were tiius 
engaged, is due a full share of the credit of saving tlie arm^' 
from a greater disaster. 

The Regiment rallied again and took position in a line 
further to the left, on Snodgrass Hill. Here the remnants 
of Wood's Division, and the detachments of the left wing, 
joined the forces of General Thomas, and here, under tlie 
command of that intrepid soldier, the rebel advance was 
checked. It was between one and two o'clock when the 
58th Regiment got into this position. At that time the right 
wing was thoroughly routed. General Rosecrans was 
caught in the whirlwind and borne back into Chattanooga, 
as was also Crittenden and McCook. Such of the broken 
Divisions as could do so, found their wav to join the left, 
which was still being held by Thomas. Upon this position 
assault after assault was made, but our lines could not be 
broken. Some of the severest fighting of the two days' bat- 
tle was done here, but the losses were heaviest with the 
enemy. 



194 CHAPLAIN HKIHT'S HISTOEY OF THE 

About lour o'clock, the ammunition of our Regiment was 
exhausted. Colonel Buell started back with the Regiment 
to hunt ammunition to replenish the cartridge boxes. He 
was met by General Branham, who informed him there was 
no ammunition to be had. Colonel Buell was ordered to 
hold the hill at all hazards — even at the point of the bayonet. 
By searching among the cartridge boxes of the dead, enough 
ammunition was found to make about one round per man in 
our Regiment. The guns were loaded, and the men waited 
for the next attack ot the rebels. They were now read}' for 
desperate work. They did not have long to wait. Soon 
the enemy appeared in massed columns. They marched 
boldly up the hillside, until they were within thirty yards of 
our men. Not a gun had yet been tired by either side. A 
demand was made by an officer in our Regiment Ibr the 
rebels to surrender. A like demand came iVom the rebel 
side, with the threat that if we did not surrender the}^ would 
fire on us. At this, our men opened lire on them, pouring 
their last round into the rebel ranks. This voile v did fear- 
ful execution. The rebels retreated in great haste, leaving 
many of their dead and wounded on the ground. 

This about ended the lighting for the dav, so far as our 
Regiment was concerned. By this time it was nearly dark, 
and both sides were ready to quit, for, in reality, both sides 
had had enough of fighting. The 58th was moved back a 
short distance to the rear, awd then, under cover of the dark- 
ness, the remnants of the Brigade was marched, througii 
fields and woods, to their new position in the line, on the left 
of Rossville. Here the men had an opportunity for a few 
hours' rest and sleep. 

During the night the entire army was concentrated at this 
point, and were in good shape to give the rebels a warm 
welcome next morning. But they did not come. All da\' 
Monday we waited their approach, but only a small force of 
cavalry showed an inclination to make us a visit. From 
this fact, it was plainly evident that Bragg's arm\- liad no 
disposition to renew the conflict. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 111.) 

During Moncki}' night Rosecrans' army was moved back 
into Chattanooga. The 58th was left as a part of a strong- 
line of skirmishers to cover this movement. It was fully 
expected, b}' our officers, that this rear guard would be gob- 
bled up by the rebels in the morning. General Wood 
expressed surprise when Major Moore, in command of the 
58th skirmishers, reported to him in Chattanooga next morn- 
ing. Wood said he did not expect to see us. 

Tlius it was that the 58th Indiana was among the tirst 
Regiments on the held of Chickamauga, and one of the last 
to leave it. Early in the engagement it was put into the 
thickest of the hght and it remained there until the finish. 
With its last round of ammunition, it assisted in repelling the 
last charge of the enemy on Snodgrass Hill ; and it had the 
proud satisfaction of being numbered with the troops, under 
the command of George H, Thomas, ''the Rock of Chicka- 
mauga," that saved the "Armv of the Cumberland," on this 
Sunday afternoon. 

Ovu" losses in the two davs' battle were as follows : 

Enlisted 
Officers Men Total 

Killed 2 14 iC) 

Wounded 5 116 121 

Missing 1 24 2-:, 

Captured 279 

Total 10 161 171 

The greater part of these losses occurred Saturday after- 
noon, in the Regiment's tirst engagement, near the Vineyard 
house. The captured officers were the two surgeons left 
with the wounded at the hospital when the army fell back 
on Sunday. Some of the enlisted men were captured at 
that time and others were captured on anotlier part of the 
field. 

Mention has been made of tiie killing of Lieutenant James 
D. Foster, of Company B, in the first engagement of the 
Regiment on Saturday afternoon. As a matter of fact, it 
was not known certainly as to his fate Ibr some days after- 
ward. No one saw him fall, or knew certainlv tliat he was 



100 CHAPLAIN HKrHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

killed. For a time there was a lingering hope that he might 
turn up among the wounded and missing. But he was 
never seen or heard of afterward, and it is evident that he 
died unknown, and hlls an unknown grave somewhere on the 
field of Chickamauga, if, indeed, his bodv was honored witli 
sepulture at all. 

Lieutenant Foster was a most genial man, and a ver\- pop- 
ular officer. He was always cheerful, and usually of a very 
quiet demeanor. His home was in Fort Branch, Indiana, 
and he was among the tirst citizens of his town to tender his 
services, and his lite, it need be, in sustaining the Govern- 
ment. Through his influence, many of the boys and young 
men of his acquaintance were induced to enter the arm v. 
He alwa3^s had a kindly, watchful oversight of these boys, 
and thev are indebted to him tor much good counsel and 
advice. He was an earnest Christian man, as well as a 
brave and unselfish patriot. With him, to know a dutv, 
either to his fellow man, his countrv or his God, was to do 
that duty, so far as he was able. The loss of such a man as 
Lieutenant James D. Foster to our Regiment was irrepa- 
rable. But to him what a wondrous change I From the 
horrid scenes of Chickamauga's bloody battlefield, to the 
realms of bliss and everlasting peace, on Heaven's bright 
shore. 



— oOe« 



CHAPTER XV. 



Seige of Chattanooga — Falling Back from Rossville 
— Evidences of Demoralization — Preparations 
FOR Defence — Chattanooga will be Held — Re- 
organization — Getting in Position — Rebel Dem- 
strations from missionary ridge and lookout 
Mountain — Short of Rations — A Battle at 
Night. 



M 



ENTION has been made of the movements of the hos- 
pital, and of the fact that I came with this department 
of the army into Chattanooga, Sundav night. On Monday 
I started out to see and learn what I could as to the situa- 
tion. I found that great crowds of men, some slightly 
w'ounded, and some stragglers, were on the streets, all mov- 
ing toward the river. At the river I saw the pontoon bridge, 
at the time, crowded with rebel prisoners crossing over. I 
confess I was surprised at their number. Tow^ard noon 
I went out to hunt the Regiment, then near Rossville. I 
found them in a very good positi i and seemingly able to 
hold it against the enemy, who w in force just beyond, and 
making their presence known bv eavv cannonading. 

Returning to quarters in Cha looga that night, I went 
to rest, the tirst I had enjoved f several da vs. 

Next morning I was surprisf o hear that the 58th was 
in town. This information ^ discouraging to me, as it 
seemed to signify the abando nt of our strong position on 
Missionary Ridge. My v fears were confirmed on 

going down town. Rose* ' entire armv was in and 



iy« CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTOBY OF THK 

alioiit Chattanooga. From what I could see there was an 
effort being made to cross the river. I knew we could not 
all get over on the one pontoon bridge. Soon I came upon 
the 58th. Thev were just moving to the front and left, and 
I went with tiiem. I supposed, as Wood's Division was on 
prov'ost dutv in Chattanooga, that we were, probably, taking 
a position to cover the retreat of Rosecrans' army across the 
river, and we would have to take our chances to get 
over after all the other troops had crossed. It was a gloomy 
outlook, but all the signs tended to contirm it. The orders 
were to move every wagon and all the wounded over the 
river. The streets were crowded with a moving mass 
headed toward the bridge. It seemed everybody wanted to 
get over first : on the theory that all were going, and the 
rebels would get the hindmost. If, at this particular juncture, 
the rebels had thrown a few shells in town, I am sure there 
would have been a panic, and, probably, some of the panic 
stricken w^ould have plunged headlong into the river. 

But, fortunatel}^, the rebel shells did not come ; and, more- 
over, mv conceptions as to the meaning of the movements 
of the army were not well founded. Rosecrans' army was 
not going to abandon Chattanooga, just yet, but was getting 
in position to stay there, indefinitely. While our hospitals 
were being established across the river the fighting portion 
of the arm}' was intrenching. They had, temporarily, laid 
aside the gun for the pick and the shovel. There were two 
uniinished forts, started bv Bragg's arm\- before tiieir evac- 
uation. These were to be immediately completed and occu- 
pied bv our men. Between these torts a formidable line of 
rifle pits were being rapidly constructed. Every one who 
could handle a tool, or move dirt, was at it this day and 
night. This is an emergency in wliicii a soldier will work. 

All day Tuesdav, the 22d, I^ragg's army was expected to 
make its appearance on Missionary Ridge, but it came not. 
The hours pass, the work in the rifle pits goes bravely on. 
By night the preparation for defence had so far progressed 
that Bragg would have tound trouble in abundance if he had 



FIFTY-inCiHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. lit!) 

tried to come in. More than this, the spirit of our army was 
revived and the men were impressed wath a determination to 
stay . 

On the morning of the 23d General Rosecrans rode around 
tlie lines and examined the works. He said to tiie men : 
"We did not come here to hght the whole Southern confed- 
eracy, but now, if they want to, let them come on. We are 
readv for them." "Old Rosey," as the boys called him, 
was received evervwhere with great enthusiasm. 

During the week following this the 58th shifted its posi- 
tion several times, and finally was posted in line to the right 
of Fort Wood. Tlie rebel army was posted along Mission- 
ary Ridge and across the valley to Lookout Mountain, com- 
pletelv encircling the town. The two armies are in plain 
view of each other, and occasionally some shot and shell are 
exchanged. But no serious damage w'as done on either 
side. Our picket lines were close to the enemy and at first 
picket firing was freely indulged in. Soon this became 
monotonous and annoying, without accompanying benefit, 
and, by mutual consent, a truce was declared. The blue and 
the grav maintained a condition of friendly intercourse, 
often meeting between the lines to exchange coffee and 
tobacco, etc. 

Sunday, October 4. — This was a very blustery day. 
Bad for out-door preaching, but it was either that or noth- 
ing. Our preaching services have been interrupted for some 
time, for sufficient reason. To-da}', Rev. Thompson, Chap- 
lain of the 64th Ohio, preached in our camp, on "Thou 
Shalt Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself," Some, whose 
logical abilities are rather poor, thought he advocated 
"nigger equality." But he simply advocated the principle 
of dealing justly, even wuth the lowlv negroes, and his argu- 
ment was good. 

In the evening I preached on tlie propriety of improving 
the lessons constantlv presented to the soldier. We thus 
imitate Jesus, who drew lessons of morality from every 
object that was presented to him. There are many helps to 



200 CHAPLAIN HTGHT'S HISTOKV OF THE 

Christianity in the experience of the soldier. From the 
change ot dress of the citizen to the uniform of the soldier 
he should learn to have his "garments washed and made 
white in the blood of the Lamb."' When he becomes a sol- 
dier, he must give up the rights of a citizen, and submit to 
be governed bv the military authorities. So, in becoming a 
Christian one must bring his will into subjection to God. 
In entering the army, we must be instructed in military tac- 
tics and experience. So if vou would be a Christian, vou 
must be a disciple. 

An armv must exercise constant watchfulness. So must 
the Christian. An armv must have an uninterrupted base of 
supplies, and draw thence subsistence for man and beast. 
The Christian must draw his supplies of grace, day by day, 
tVom God. He can not live without his spiritual rations. 
Courafjc must be a characteristic of both soldier and CIums- 
tian. 

The soldier must be read\' to march at a moment's notice. 
He must not be encumbered with useless baggage. So must 
the Christian be readv for death. The presence of death 
among us ought to impress on our minds, "Be ye also 
ready . ' ' 

A long train of ambulances started this morning, with 
wounded, for Bridgeport. The authorities seem to antici- 
pate some danger, for thev are moving the wounded back, 
without regard to lite or limb. l^oor Captain Davis was 
sent off; I know not whv. I am at raid that it will kill him. 
All the wounded of our Regiment, on this side of the river, 
except Chew, Steward, Lockwood, Lounsdale, Rosebor- 
ougli, Grav and Singleton, were taken off on this train. We 
have about twentv wounded on the other side of tlie Tennes- 
see River, at the Held hospital. 

Monday, Octohkk 5. — The dull monotonv of the siege 
of Chattanooga was broken at about eleven a. m. by a rebel 
shell bursting on the picket line in front of Fort Negley. 
The pickets maintained their position, but llie stragglers 
retreated in (food order. Another shell fell nc^ar the lort. 



FlFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA HIXilMENT. 201 

Another reached General Rosecrans' headquarters. One 
bursted just in front of our Regiment. Bv this time they 
came plentifully along the whole line. Our guns responded 
slowly, and at long intervals, as if to say, "The Yankees are 
still here, but are not anxious for a ti<rht." By this time the 
side of Lookout began to speak in sullen tones of rebel 
wrath. (lun alter gun opened. The mountain poured in 
its broadsides like a man-ot-war. This continued until dark, 
and at intervals through the night. 

From the 6th to 12th nothing occurred to disturb the 
monotony of our camp. Of course, the rebels continued to 
remind us that their artillery was in good working order, by 
throwiup- an occasional shell in our direction, but we w^ere 
not disturbed b^' little pleasantries of that kind. The tiling 
that distressed us most was the lack of rations. 

On the nipfht of Tuesday, October i^, we were somew^hat 
disturbed by our Sergeant-Major, who came around and 
informed us that the Regiment would have to move out ot 
its present camp before daylight next morning. I inquired 
as to the reason for this, and was informed that we were to 
exchange positions with Hazen's Brigade. The 21st Army 
Corps has been dissolved, and the Regiments in our Brigade 
are to be added to those of the 2d Brigade, under command 
of General Wagner, in General Sheridan's Division. Otli- 
ciallv, we are to be known as the Second Bri<i[-ade, Second 
l^ivision. Fourth Corps. We were to move and take our 
position in the new^ command. 

But the rain has been fallino- all niirht, and still comes in 
torrents. Indeed, it does not promise to be a very tine day 
lor a move. If we had good tents, it would not be so bad. 
But we have every kind of a miserable old shelter that could 
be constructed of the rude materials at our disjiosal. Time 
wore on, and day came, and still we did not move. Hopes 
were freely indulged that there would be no move to-day. 
But shorth^ after day the order came to "strike tent.'' So 
we began to roll up, and pile up, and tumble up our traps. 
Great heaps of lumber were collected about Regimental 



202 CHAl'LAIX 1II(;HT"S 11IST(>KV OF THK 

headquarters. Five wagons were sent to move us. These 
were loaded uj"). 15 v this time the order came to remain 
where w^e were until further orders. And so we did remain. 
It continued to rain. We sat about decaying camp tires, 
made sad attempts at wit, and spun most miserable tales, to 
keep our spirits up. When the bugle sounded the dinner 
call, w'e were ordered to unload the w^agons and pitch tents. 
And such a hammering and banging I The men worked 
away lively in the rain, that thev might have a little com- 
fort. 

Such moves as this are very disgusting. The move was 
evidently deferred on account of the weather. But the Gen- 
eral did not make the discovery until the tents were all 
dow^n. Then the men must be \ei\ standing a half dav in the 
rain, while the question is being discussed whether it would 
not be better to move, since things had gone thus far. 
Some of our officers must be like Indians — sleep on every 
proposition before deciding. 

Wednesday, Octoher 14. — It has been raining all da\- 
and all night. Men very hungrv, tor thev onh' have two- 
third rations. Manv horses and mules dying through starv- 
ation. Railroad in rear torn up. Reinforcements coming. 

Thursday, October 15. — We had a terrible storm of 
wind and rain last night. Mv tent is just upon the edge of 
a deep cut in the railway. I w'as very fearful it would go 
over. The rain continued until near night. 

There has been much cheering in the armv, to-day, over 
the defeat of \ allandingham in Ohio. 

Friday, Ocioi'.er 16. — The men lor some weeks have 
been on two-thirds rations. Now the ordi'r is lull rations ol 
bread, and half rations of other things. Tlie\- are to get no 
meat except beef. If one will bear in mind that the cattle 
are about starved, he may see at once what a miserable kind 
of food their flesh must be. The men have sutl'ered much 
hunger n>centh-. Oiu" horses are now getting ten ears ot 
corn each dav. The ears are ver\- small, compared with 
corn in the North. Man^• horses and mules liave died of 



FIFTV-KKiHTH INDIANA KKCiDIKNT. 203 

starvation. We are now in a state of siege. Our supplies 
have not all been cut off. I hope General Hooker will suc- 
ceed in opening up communication and raising the siege. 

I called, in mv visits, first, on George H. Singleton, of 
Company H, at General Hospital No. 3, room 39. This 
hospital was formerly the Crutchlield House. It is a largt\ 
roomy structure, reaching from street to street. Singleton's 
wound is through the calf of the right leg. He is doing 
well. He is able to go home. I next called on William 
(Tra^', of Company F, at General Hospital No. 2. His left 
leg is off. He is suffering greatly. In Hospital No. i. 
Ward H, I found Joel L. Evans, of Compan^^ (j, and Rose- 
borough, of B. Evans is wounded in the abdomen, but the 
cavity was not penetrated. He seems to be resting comfort- 
ably. Roseborough looks pale, but is recovering. There 
were several men dying in this ward. An old gray headed 
man, of the 4th Kentucky, whose leg was amputated, had 
died since I was here last. 

I called on John G. Lounsdale, of Compan^• B, in Ward 
"L."' His wovind, which was a very dangerous shot 
throup'h tiie neck, is healino- finely. Lounsdale looks like a 

cry r^ - 

youtli of seventeen. It was on the first charge of the sStii 
Indiana that he was wounded. He was iroino- forward witii- 
out anticipating any danger, though men were falling all 
around. Suddenly he was shot, before he had fired a sincrle 
round. His first impression was that he was killed. He 
tried to move, but could not. He was then more confident 
than ever that lie was killed. "It came to my mind, ' said 
he, ''to get up ; but then I tiiought I was dead, and I might 
as well lie still. There was no use getting up, if I were 
dead I" After a little time, he succeeded in raising his 
head. He discovered his companions just ahead of him. 

Gilbert R, Stormont, who was by his side when he was 
shot, carried him from the field to an ambulance. W'hen 
the Regiment tell back he was placed in our Regimental 
hospital tent. He remained there until our second and last 
train of ambulances were sent through the rebel lines. He 



204- CHArLALN HlOH'fS HISTOKY OF THE 

was then brought up and placed in Wood's Division hos- 
pital ; he was afterward moved to his present place. I think 
he will soon be well. 

In Ward "M" I called on Richard Steward, of Companv 
K, and Lockwood, of Company B. Both of these soldiers 
are restless and impatient. Steward is severely wounded — 
jiainfallv so. Lockwood is shot through the side. lie 
seems to be getting worse. He is even threatened \\ ith con- 
sumption. He is very homesick. 

In Ward "O'' I called on Joe Chew, of Company C. His 
foot was penetrated by a ball and some of the bones fractured. 
The ball and some pieces of bones have been recently 
removed. The surgeon now hopes to save his foot. Chew 
is a very reckless young man. These are all the wounded 
men v.e have in Chattanooga. 

In returning home I passed through the lines of the 14th 
Corps. Their works are very strong, considering that there 
is nothing in the nature of the ground to render their position 
a good one. 

By the way, our position here is a poor one. Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, held by the enemy, com- 
mands every inch we hold, including the bridges across the 
Tennessee. 

TuESDAV, October 20. — We again had orders to move 
camp betbre daylight. We were ready, accordingly, and 
about seven a. m. we moved. After all oiu' Generals did 
not know where we were going. Up to yesterday they 
designed placing us on the hill on the extreme right. But 
General Sheridan was ordered toward the left. At first our 
little piece of a Brigade moved toward the Catholic Chinx'h. 
We lav b\- the Baptist church for a good whiU', until (General 
Sheridan and Wagner lixed the place of encampment. 
We then took our place on Signal Hill. This is a splendid 
place, in the very heart of the fortress of Chattanooga. 

Wednesday evening I attended services at the Baptist 
Church, near our camp. These ser\ices are conducted by 
the I'. J>. Cliristian Commission. Rev. Mr. Hiofh. from 



FIFTY-EKIHTH INDIANA KIXIIMENT. -JOT) 

"away down East," was praying when I entered. He has 
quite a Yankee aftVctation in his speech, so that at times it is 
difficult to understand him. He has long hair — falling upon 
the collar of his coat. After prayer, about one hour was spent 
in talking on religion, by the men present. One fellow said 
that one day, when he was plowing, "a still small voice" 
came to him and told him that he was not prepared to die. 
He felt bad about one year. One night he had pleasant 
dreams. Next morning he felt all right. I suppose he must 
be a Hardshell Baptist. I believe thev can dream away sin. 
Most of the speaking was in good taste. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Embree, having resigned, left the 
Regiment Saturday morning for his home. He made a short 
farewell address to the Regiment before leaving, stating, 
that on account of the recent death of his father and also his 
wife, it was necessary for him to leave the arm}', to look after 
business requiring his attention at home, tie regretted very 
much that he had to leave the Regiment, with whom he had 
been so long associated. He complimented the men on 
tiieir discipline and their bravery, tested on many occasions, 
and invoked the blessings ot Heaven to rest upon them. 
He expressed the hope, that when they returned to their 
homes, they mig-ht find their domestic circles unbroken. 
Colonel Embree has the respect and good will of every man 
in the Regiment, and we are sorry to have him leave us. 

Sunday, October 25. — General Palmer's Division 
moved across and down the Tennessee. The 58th and 57th 
Indiana, and 26th and 97th Ohio, and perhaps some other 
Regiments, moved out to take the place made vacant on the 
line. This leaves our camp very thinly inhabited. 

I was awakened at five minutes before one o'clock, on the 
morning of the 27th, dreaming of cannon, and with the 
sound of heavy cannonading in my ears. Pulling on my 
boots, I stepped to the door of my shanty. Beyond Look- 
out Mountain, there was heavy cannonading and musketry. 
I soon retired to bed, as the night was cold. But the sound 
ot l:)attle continued, and I again arose, and listened until 



206 CHATLAIX HKiHT'S HISTOIfY OF THE 

about thrre a. m. I then fell asleeji. I am ii^norant of tlio 
cause of this li(rhtinir. We have had a thousand rumors 
to-dav, but notliin<r dehnite. When the papers come from 
the North, we will know all al:)out it. 

Skjnal IIili., October 30. — The rain has been fallinir all 
da\'. The Regiment is still in Fon Palmer. 1 s]-)ent the 
morniniT in mv tent, readin<^ and writini;". In the afternoon 
I visited my hospital. There had been three deaths since my 
visit on last Sundav. I found tlie men happy and cheertul. 

I tind it a great cross to talk to men in company about 
religion. Tt is also a cross for me to hold religious services 
in a hospital. Still here is a most inviting field. (jreat 
and lasting good can be done. 

The evening hung a little heavih^ on my hands, as I had 
reading to do, and no candles. I therefore gave mvself to 
meditation, chiefly on the text, "lie shall give his angels 
charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall 
bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a 
stone." I am of'ten annoyed, when trying to think, bv idle 
people talking to me. So it was to-night. Many can not 
see how a man can be busv, unless he is doing physical toil. 
Heing unable to tliink themselves, they do not know that 
others can. Mind work is exceedingly rare amongst men. 
The men in front ask me if I am not lonesome in camp. If 
I had nothing to do, I would be. I alwavs expect to have 
both companv and emplovment as long as I have reason. I 
have, somewhere, read of one who was asked why he talked 
to himself, and he replied, "I like to talk with a gentleman." 
So I sav, when wrapped up in my own tlioughts, I love to 
keep conipan\- with a gentleman. I have no thought of 
lieing lonesome, while Parson Higlit and tlie Cha]")hiin are 
along. We can talk, read and reason together. 

vSrxoA^', X()\'i-:mhi>:r i. — I went out to mv Regiment, in 
front ot" l•^)^l Pahnt'r, and jireached at nine a. m. from 
Psalm I. 1-4. I wore m\' hat during preaching, a tiling I 
am seldom compelled to do. The iieat of' the sun r(U|uired 
il lo-da\-. 



FIFTV-KKiHTH IXDIAXA IfKUIMEXT. "iOT 

General Hooker has come up the river on this bank to 
Lookout Valley. Here he defeated the rebels, in the battle 
I heard a few nights since, and opened communication with 
Hazen's Brigade, which affected a landing on the south 
bank, and laid a pontoon across the river on last Tuesday 
morning. Thus, b}' crossing at Shellmound, Battle Creek, 
or Bridgeport, and coming up the left bank of the river to 
Lookout Valley, then recrossing to the right bank and cross- 
ing at Chattanooga, we have a better route than over Wal- 
den's Ridge. Bv the way, the rebels keep booming away 
from the top of Lookout. I infer that they are determined 
to break this new line. We have a few little steamers that 
liegan running to a point six miles below here last night. 
This tills us with hope for rations tor the future. If our 
efforts to open this line had tailed during tiie past week, this 
Sabbath day would have seen Chattanooga in rebel hands, 
and the Yankees in full retreat. 

No rations, exxept a little poor beef, were issued to the 
men this day, until after night. Thev then received about 
one-half of a cracker each. Poor fellows I They suffer 
greatlv, and many of them are very weak. Most of them 
bear up nobly. A few talk and act childish, 

Monday, November 2. — The bridge across the Tennes- 
see was cut yesterday afternoon, and is not yet repaired. 
No rations, except beef, were issued vmtil near night. I 
fmd m^•self weak this afternoon for want of food. 

The rebels are digging rifle pits in sight of Fort Negley. 
Our cannons tire at them, without accomplishing anything. 

Three shots from Lookout came thundering into the very 
lieart of Chattanooga this afternoon. Thev can not reach 
us. 

An attack seems to liave been anticipated at night. Tiie 
men were under arms. 

We had an excellent sermon, and a poor meeting, at the 
Baptist church, with white men for a congregation and 
negroes for mourners. Things were prettv well mixed up. 
e\'en more than I care about, and all niv friends know what 



208 ( HAT'LAIN EIGHT'S HISTOKV OF THE 

a great Aliolitionist I am. T despise caste, and believe in lov- 
ing all men, and yet I doubt the propriety of that tamiliarit^• 
that breeds contempt. The negroes ought to have religion, 
and I am in lor holding a meeting for them. \\ hen we get 
to heaven, languages, conditions, and color, and all things 
else that do and must separate men, shall disappear. Amen. 

Lieutenant William Adams, of Company H, having had 
his resignation accepted, left us on yesterday. Shorth- after 
I came to the Regiment, he was made Sergeant-Major. At 
Stone River, he fought as Lieutenant, but was not commis- 
sioned until afterward. He was wounded in the heel in that 
engagement, and enjoyed a furlough. At the battle of 
Chickamauga he was sick, but, nevertheless, did his whole 
duty on the field. He then went to Nashville, and spent 
some weeks in the hospital. He procured the acceptance of 
his resignation by obtaining an endorsement from the Regi- 
mental commander. 

Thursday, November 5. — Lieutenants Mason and Wood 
took a detail of forty men, with four da^^s' rations, and went 
as guards for a forage train. 

Captain George AVhitman has resigned, and left lor home 
about twelve m. to-day. 

T am truly sorry to -see the Captain go. We have lost a 
good soldier. I liear that his wife li(.\s at death's door. It 
is this that leads liim homeward. 

We have had luit little cannonading. Most of it was done 
by the rebc>ls. It w^as Fort Lookout liring at Moccasin. 

in one ot my strolls about Chattanooga, T turned aside 
and stood on Cameron Hill, the place where our ReginuMit 
bivouacked thi' night after our tirst entr\- into Chattanooga, 
Septemiier 9th. How changed the scene now, as compared 
to that of two months ago I Then this place was a 'grove of 
forest trees. Now' every tree has been cut down. Then 
summer cowmxhI all with green. Now natiu'e seemed dead, 
and the trees lealless. Then a few forts without guns con- 
stituted tiie stronghold : now bristling ramparts in every val- 
ley, and grim torts on everA' hill, t'orni a grand fortress. A 



FTFTY-EIGHTH IXDTAXA Ur.GTMENT. 



lM»'.» 




CAPTAIN WILLIAM E. CIIAPPEL 



Was nuistercci in as l-"irst Lieutenant of Company I, Decenildt'r 16, 1S61, 
and continued as such until April 6, 1S63, when he was promoted to the 
Captaincv of tlie Compan\-. 1 le lonnnanded the Compan\- the remainder 
of the time and was mustered out with tlic Regiment. After leaving the 
arinj he returned to his occupation of farming, in which he has heen quite 
successful. He is now living on his farm near Algiers, Pike comity, Indiana. 
Captain Chappel is one of the most active members of the 5Sth Indian.i 
Regimental Association, and is in hearl\- s_\-m])athy with everv movement 
that tends to perpetuate the deeds of that Regiment. lie was the first to 
tender material aid for the publication of this work. 



210 (iiAPLAix iii(iii'i'"s iiis'roh'v OF tin: 

few straggling inhabitants, and a few hundreds of Yankee 
troops, were all the living beings then in view. Now there 
are teeming thousands of soldier}^ There are some houses 
less, but a million tents more. Away yonder, where one 
could then see naught but the green forest of Missionarv 
Ridge, now can be viewed the white tents of the rebels. 
And old Lookout, which then was in our hands, now reflects 
the rays of the setting sun, and thunders from its storm- 
beaten crags and rockv summit, on the Yankee hosts 
below, ^till winds the Tennessee in its wonted channel, 
though swollen by recent rains. Awav to mv right is tJie 
smoke of Hooker's encampments. What changes will 
another two months bring? 

Saturday, November 7. — Our men at Fort Palmer were 
relieved by Hazen's Brigade. General Wagner has been 
relieved of the command of the post. 

Sunday, November 8. — This is a chillv dav. Four 
Companies, B, G, K and E, were ordered to move their 
tents. This makes fine Sundav work. 

Colonel Buckner, of the 79th Illinois Volunteers, preached 
a short sermon, at three p. m., to my Regiment. 

The Regiment was paid for four months' service, on the 
13th. A recruiting party, detailed from each Company, 
started north. This party was in command of Captain Cain. 
with Captain W. E. Chappel next in command. 



-^CS^M-X^^ 



CHAPTER XVI, 



Battle of Missionary Ridge — Record of Events Pre- 
ceding THAT Engagement — Hooker's Battee 
Above the Clouds — The Star Spangled Banner 
Waves o\'er Lookout Mountain — SHER^L\N's Suc- 
cess ON the Left — Cheering Prospp:ct for the 
Union Army — Army of the Cumbp:rland Advances 
— Magnificent Pageant — Chargin(; the Rebel 
Rifle Pits — Onward and Upward, Without Or- 
ders — Crest of 'jhe Riijge Gained — Bra(J(;'s 
Forces Routed — The Victory is Complete — Casu- 
alties OF the FlF'l"Y-ia(JHTH. 



SHARP musketry and cunnonacling, seeminu-lv across tlu' 
river to our left, awakened me earh' Tuesdav morning, 
November i 7. Those better acquainted with the river said it 
was on the river. From the best information 1 could obtain, 
it was the rebels shelling the camp of the 125th Illinois. 
The Chaplain was killed. I thought at hrst tliat our men 
were trying to cross to the south bank for the purpose of 
flanking the rebels. This is m\' plan tor raising the siege of 
Ciiattanooga. In the afternoon, I walked througii General 
Hospital No. 4. This is in the building formerlv occuj^ieil 
by General Wood's Division hospital. It is now tixed uji 
very comfortably. In it have been placed most of the 
wounded ones who are still unable to bear the transportation 
north. Most of them are sorely injured, and manv must die. 
They have now been Iving for sixty davs, and are still 
unable to ride in the ambulance. Tlie carrying on stretchers 
killed some. I found a number of mv old Ward *'0 ' 
friends. 

Wednesday, November 18. — Signal Hill, Chattanooga. 
The 58th went on picket ; I remained in camp. We had one 
of the heaviest fon-s I ever saw. It was so thick at ten a. 



212 ("HAPLATX HKiHT'S HTSTOEY OF THE 

m. that an object could not be seen a few Awards off. At 
twelve m., Cameron Hill could not be seen. When the fotr 
passed, a hazv atmosphere of Indian summer prevented us 
from seeing objects very distinctly. The 57th Indiana 
worked on the trenches near mv tent ; thev labored faith- 
full v. I was requested, last night, to call on a wounded 
man in the hospital. I did so this afternoon, according to 
promise. Thev were just laving him out as I arrived at his 
cot. If the Savior was as slow to come to his relief as I 
was, his soul is lost. 

Thursday, November 19. — Rumors thicken of a battle. 
I am expecting one every da}'. 

Saturday, Novenber 21. — The whole army had orders 
to march this morning, with eighty rounds of ammimition. 
It is generally thought we will go up the river and attack 
the rebel right. Sherman is passing up that way on the 
other side of the river. Order to march countermanded. 
Rations are exceedingly scarce ; relief must come soon, or 
we will be starved out. 

Sunday, No\'ember 22. — In the afternoon, I preached 
before the 125th Ohio. The congregation was large, and 
the hour favorable. Fort Wood was thundering at the rebels 
while I spoke. There was considerable cannonading b\' us 
to-dav. The rebels make but little replv. 

Monday, November 23. — Time wore awav as usual until 
about twelve m., when we were ordered to "fall in." The 
Regiment moved from Signal Hill, prepared for a battle. 
In the rear of General Wood's headquarters we joined the 
remainder of the Brigade. The Brigade was led by Gen- 
eral Wagner, assisted bv Colonel Wood, of the 15th Indi- 
ana. We moved out by our old camp, leaving Fort Palmer 
on the left. Between Fort W\)od and Fort Palmer was the 
I ith Corps, commanded bv Howard. "^J'heA- make a tine 
appearance. Just as we came up, they were moving as sol- 
diers do when thev pass before a commanding General, at a 
magnificent review. Being well dressed, and many of them 
sturdv Germans, thev presented a grand sight. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 218 

Looking to our right, as we crossed the raih^oad, there 
mijiht be seen the arand army, movinpf in h)n<>' columns, or 
falling into line in camp. It was the grandest pageant I had 
ever witnessed, and I spoke to many officers and men about 
this grand sight. Thev all declared they had never seen its 
equal. Advancing in tront of Fort Palmer, our Brigade 
Ibrmed in line on the hill, where the National Cemetery has 
since been located. The array of battle was advancing as 
far as sight could reach. Our lines were in the shape of a 
•'\'," our Brigade being at the point. The marshalling of 
the hosts grew in increasing splendor. Away to tiie Ten- 
nessee on the right and left were the long lines of moving 
men. There was a solemn realit}^ about this array. Here 
was no empty display — there was no shouting rabble. 
There was no swellinp; strains of music to create artificial 
feeling — the stillness of death reigned throughout the long 
lines. Naught was heard save the heavy tramp of armed 
men, ami the clear, shrill voice of command. Every order 
was obeyed with promptness and precision. The movement 
of an army on the eve of a battle is always solemn and 
impressive, but the grandeur of this afternoon's display was, 
perhaps, never surpassed on earth. It was a lovely day. 
The sun shone in glory, as is his wont in autumn time. 
Qiiiet beauty reigned through forest, and over valley and 
mountain. Amid scenes such as these, and on this lovely 
autumnal afternoon, the glory and pride of America came 
forth to battle. Walden's Ridge, Sand and Lookout 
Mountain, and Missionary Ridge, looked quietly down on the 
scene and were glad, for they knew they would soon be 
freed from the traitor's unhallowed tread. 

Just before us are the rebel pickets. They are walking 
their beats uneasih'. But little time passes until, just upon 
our left, the tront line of sentinels of Wood's Division are 
reinforced by their reserves. These form' a line of skir- 
mishers, and no sooner was the line formed than the order 
was given to "trail arms," and advance on the "double 
quick." I am pretty confident that the first gun was fircnl 



1 1. 



CHArLATX HIOHT'S HTSTORV OF TIIK 



bv the rebels, an hundred yards to the left of an open field, 
in which there was on old lime kiln. But the ""Yankees'' 
had the second pop. "Bang — bang — bang," with increas- 
ing rapidity, was heard along the advancing lines. "Lie 
down," commanded Colonel Moore. The order was read- 
ily obeyed, but we were not in the range of the guns, and 
all were soon up and looking. The rebels gave way rap- 
idh'. Wood's men pressed them sharply. The musketry 
increased to a roar, in the woods towards Orchard Knob. 

,„™™,T,„M.^.. At this time Carl 

wSchurz' magnificent 
Division of Germans 
wheeled away, accom- 
panied by the whole of 
the I ith Corps, and 
t(jok position to the letl 
of Wood's men, and 
extended the* line of 
battle. Sheridan ad- 
vanced to keep his 
lines connected with 
Wood. Of Wagner's 
Brigade, the 57th Indi- 
ana acted as skirmish- 
ers, easily driving the 
rebels. Soon Wood's 
men gained the summit 
o{ Bald Knob — the grand object of the magnificent charge. 
A wild cheer of victory rose from our brave men as they 
paused on the crest of the hill, in full view of Missionary' 
Ridge. Musketry ceased, except some occasional guns. 
The ax and tiie s]:)ade were soon busih' engaged, securing 
what we had gained. I'he rebels continued a heav\- lire ot 
artillery from the Ridge, at Bald Knob, until afier dark, but 
little injury was done by them. Qiute a number ot men 
were wounded and some killed by the musketry. All these 
were of Woods Division, excejit loiu" troni the ^olh Indiana. 




FIFTY-ErCillTll INDIANA IfKOlMKXT. iM :> 

A large number of prisoners were captured, includino- almost 
an entire Florida Regiment. Thus glorious was fought and 
won the battle of Chattanooga Valley. Amongst the great 
battles of the war it is not to be named, but it stands high in 
the catalogue of minor contests. It has a sublimitN' not 
attached to many greater battles. It was well planned and 
daringly executed. Ev^ery patriot's heart in the valley beats 
high with exultation to-night, but terrors disturb the rebels' 
broken slumber. After dark I return to camp. None of 
the 58th were hurt, but they remained on the field. 

TiTESDAv, November 24. — I rose long before dav, antici- 
pating a renewal of the contest at dawn. Dav dawned as I 
was riding out to the lield. It was cloudy and rainy, occa- 
sionally breaking up a little. When I arrived at the front I 
found the lines in the same place, but the sSth had moved a 
short distance to the left. \"erv respectable works had been 
constructed during the night. Early in the morning we 
bepfan to hear iirintr over in Lookout Valley. Hooker was 
evidently paving his compliments to the rebel left. The 
musketry continued to increase, and by noon it attracted 
general attention in the center. A large company collected 
in the rear of the line of battle, at a place where Lookout 
could be seen. The troops were in the woods. Unfortun- 
ately there was clouds and fog on this day. A battle was 
evidently raging on the mountain just before our eyes, and 
it the day had been clear a grand sight would have been 
opened before us. As it was, we could only catch a glimpse 
of the combatants as the clouds would part. Hooker fought 
above the clouds to-da}'^, but unfortunately we were below 
them. At one time I saw a long line of our men, led by an 
officer mounted on a white horse ; others saw the rebels run 
into a house on the mountain side, and rescue several flags 
which they had hanging there. Men of excellent imagina- 
tion could see a great deal. At times cannonading from 
batteries on Moccasin Point is terrible. It slackened up 
considerabU^ as our men turned the mountain brow, as it 
was then difficult to pfet the ranjie of tlic rebels without 



21(; CHAPLATX MIGHT'S HTSTOUY OF THE 

wounding our own men. The musketry was chiefly from 
iho skirmish line ; sometimes it would increase to a roar as 
the line of battle became engaged. 

We had but little flghting on the center, but tiiere were 
m.i:iy cheers given by our men, waiting there, for Hooker's 
success. I was slow to believe that our own men were get- 
ting the mountain, as there are always so many unreliable 
tales afloat in time of battle. Somebody is always whipping 
the enemy in flank or rear. But for once these tales were 
true. The battery near us let oft' occasionalh' at the rebel 
camps. 

Ai":er dark I returned to camp, the troops remaining in 
the field. The firing still continued on Lookout Mountain. 
In Chattanooga there were rumors of great success on the 
part of Hooker; a man ^^•ho came tVom the valley to-day 
says he saw a Brigade of rebels who had been captured on 
the mountain. The rain and clouds are gone, the air is 
clear and sharp. Whatever doubts I may have had of Gen- 
eral Hooker's success, I can be unbeliever no longer : there 
around the brow of Lookout are the Yankee camp fires I 
The rebels never make fires like our men. We came from 
the Xortli and our men are industrious, and have no scruples 
about the wood. The rebels are laz^•. There is no mistak- 
ing that long line of bright tires. It was never then- during 
the rebel reign. And look, away oft' on the left, on the far- 
ihi'r end of Missionary Ridge, those are tlie Yankee camp 
fires I Yes, Sherman is there ; he has crossed the Tennessee 
and is taking position for the fight. This has been a day of 
splendid success,- to-morrow we expect war in earnest. 

Wednesday, November 25. — I did not get off so early as 
on yesterday. As I go out, an occasional gun could be 
heard on our lett, but they were a long way oft' and some 
distance apart. The firing continued to increase. The 
most remarkable feature of the forenoon was the continual 
stream of rebel troops passing on the summit of the ridge to 
our left. Our batteries occasionally paid their respects to 
them, Init with little eftect. We coidd distincth- see infanlrv, 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KE(il3IENT. 217 

cavalrv and artillery. At one time we might see a rebel 
General accompanied by his stat]\ It was a loyely day, and 
objects were distinctly yisible at a long distance. Early in 
the at'ternoon our skirmish line became slightly engaged. 
We were then in the second line of battle. General Wood's 
Diyision being in front, the flanks oyerlapping tor a short 
distance. Besides the response from tiie rebel riflemen, the 
guns on the ridge flred seyeral shots, some of which came 
so close that we all took to the ditches. I sat yery con- 
tentedh' on some leayes in a trench, just between the 58th 
Indiana and the 26th Ohio, but this cannonading vyas not 
yery dangerous. About 2 p. m. our lines adyance. Wood's 
men withdrew to the left to giye the others room. The line 
of battle in our rear moyed forward and occupied the 
trenches. The moyements proyoked quite a liyely little tir- 
ing from the rebel guns on the ridge. I tarried where I was 
until this tiring lulled a little, when I rode oyer the brow of 
the hill, and stopped at a line of rifle pits which had been dug 
for our skirmishers. The 58th was just a little in advance, 
lying flat on the ground. The rear line of battle now^ 
advanced and lay down just in the rear of the front. The 
15th Indiana was behind the 58th. Wood's men continued 
to move oft' towards the left. My impression at this moment 
was that w^e were relieving some of Wood's men, for the pur- 
pose of sending them to the support of our left under Gen- 
eral Sherman. While these thoughts were in my mind, the 
regular battery, wdiich had been with us in the former line, 
came dashing up and took a position in the open space, lo 
the left of the 58th and the 15th, which was outside of the 
works. I distinctly heard the order given them to respond 
lively if the rebels opened on them, but the rebels were very 
silent. 

It began to be w^hispered around that an advance was to 
be made. Dr. Adams came up and shared my pit. At 
length I heard some one in my rear give an order to an Aide 
de Camp, at a little distance, to tell some one to advance and 
take the works at the foot of the ridire. I did not distinctly 



218 CILVrLAlX JIU.JIT'S lllSTOKV OF THE 

hear all the words, but caught part of them, and inferred that 
there was hot work ahead. Major White, of the 15th, rode 
up and down the line of that Regiment, telling them to stand 
tirm, if the first line gave way, to pass tiles to the rear and let 
them go, but not to go with them. General Wagner had 
called his Retrimental commanders a few minutes before and 
gave them some instructions. Colonel Wood, of the 15th, 
seems to have misunderstood the order, which was to take 
the works at the foot of the ridge. He understood it was to 
take the ridge. Accordingly he came to Colonel Moore and 
told him that the order would be soon issued to take the 
ridge. Said he, "Have 3'our men hx bavonets and move 
slowh- to the top of the ridge." But Cjcnerals Grant and 
Thomas desiijned to take nothini>- but the foot, and neither 
dreamed of the army moving right on from Piedmont to 
Altamont.* At length the signal gun was hred from 
Orchard Knob, and long lines of men rose tVom the grass 
and began to advance. In a few moments the 58th received 
orders to hx ba'S'onets. At this time the front line of Wag- 
ner's Brigade was composed of the looth Illinois, 58th Indi- 
ana and 26th Ohio. The 57th was on the skirmish line, the 
15th Indiana, 97th Ohio and 40th Indiana were in reserve. 



* Lieutenant-Colonel J. S. Fullerton, Gentral Granger's Chief ol" Staff, 
in an artiele in the Cc?i/in-v ]\'<ir Book, reterring to the nio\enient at this 
point, sa\s: 

"The order of the commanding General had now been fully and most suc- 
cessfully carried out. But it did not go far enough to satisfy these brave 
men, who thought the time had come to finish the battle of Chickamauga. 
There was a halt of but a few minutes to take breath and to reft)rm lines; 
then, with a sudden impulse, all started up the side of the Ridge. Not a com- 
manding ollicer had given the order to ad\ance. The men who carried the 
muskets had taken the matter into their own hands, had moved of their own 
accord. Officers, catching their spirit, first followed, then led. There was 
no thought of protecting Hanks, though the enemy's line could be seen 
stretching beyond on either side; there was no thought of support or reserves. 
As soon as this movement was seen from Orchard Knob, Grant cpiickly 
turned to 'Jliomas. who stood by his side, and I heard him angrily sa\-: 
'Thomas, who ordered those men up the Ridge.'' Thomas replied, in his 
u-ual slow, quiet manner: 'I don't know: I did not." Then addressing Gen- 
eral (jordon (iranger, he said: 'Did you order them up. Granger." 'No,' 
said Granger; 'the\' started up without ordei's. When those fellows get 
started, all hell can't stop them.' General Grant said something to the effect 
ihat somebody would sutler if it did not turn out well, and then turning 
art unil. stoically watched the Kiilge. He ga\e no further oixiers." 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA I.'EGIMKNT. 210 

When bayonets were tixed, there was manifested on the jiart 
of nearly all a disposition to go double quick. 

Following is a diagram of the formation of A\'agner's 
Brigade for this charge : 

A dia(;r,\m. 



Adv.Tnce Skirmish Line — two Companies ;;7th Indiana. 



Reserve Skirmish Line — eight Companies 57tli huiian.i. 



riRSr I. INK Ol- liATTLK. 



loolh Illinois. :;yih Indiana. j6th Ohio. 



SECOND LINE OF RATTLE. 



97th Ohio. 15th Indiana. 4t)th Indiana. 

There was a little belt of woods to pass. Here the men 
were checked again and again, but their impetuosity knew 
no bound. Thev continued to advance, faster and faster ; 
already their shouts tilled the woods and fields. The rebels 
are aroused by the charge, and from many points on the line 
the shots and shells were flying. Two batteries especially 
played on Wagner's Brigade ; one of these was in front of 
and a little to the right of Orchard Knob, and the other 
was at Bragg's headquarters. Twenty or twcnt^'-tiye guns 
were firing at our Brigade, as fast as the ingenuity of the 
gunners would permit, and some of these shots came 
disagreeably near to where I was standing. The regular 
battery spoken of above did the most rajiid tiring that I 
ever witnessed. It made the lieavens ring. Orchard 
Knob was not silent. .\nd Fort ^\ Ood spo.vC above the 
Ixittle's loud roar. 



220 (HArLATX lIKiHT'S HISTOKY OF THE 

Every hill, house and battlement, in Chattanooga was 
occupied by anxious spectators. Generals Grant and 
Thomas and other commanders were in Fort Wood, and 
every spectator and participant felt the mightv consequences 
that hung upon the events of the moment. A terrible defeat 
might overwhelm our army, or a victorv crown it with glory. 

What various and conflicting emotions tilled the breasts of 
the charging columns. Some were tilled with terror, and 
some knew no fear. Some thoutrht that the hovir of their 
death had come, and others had presentiment that they would 
live for other struggles. Visions of home and friends came 
before some, while others were buvSy calculating the chances 
ot life and death. Some were watching the enemv on the 
ridge, and some were hunting for stumps and trees. Manv 
were tilled with a wild enthusiasm, that raised them above all 
surrounding objects. Some lost all consciousness of what 
was transpiring, and when all was over could recite scarcely 
a single detail of the charge. 

The Regiment emerged from the woods, in plain view of 
the enemy at the base of the ridge. As they advanced, the 
speed of the men increased. The line was prettv well main- 
tained until it came to a little water course. Here it was 
broken, but still it swept on. Tiie 571)1 Indiana took the 
works and fell into the front line as it came up. Their line 
was but poorly defended, as the rebels had to reinforce their 
right during the day. The men were now in range of the 
rifles at the top of the ridge, and a terrible hail of lead was 
poured down upon them. The artillerv dealt out grape and 
cannister, which seemed to "come in shovelfuls," as Lieuten- 
ant Milburn expressed it. 

Mere it was designed to stop, but Colonel Wood had said 
"Take all before you," so over the works the men went as 
contcnipluously as Remus is said to lia\'e jvuiiped ox'er the 
'. lis of Romulus, and, alas for some, equally as fatal. A 
blaze of tire now burst from the Union columns. Greek had 
met (jreek and the tug of war had come. Wagner's Brig- 
ade was the lirst ol'all to adxance lic\-ond the vvhv] works. 



FIFTY-EHJHTH INDIANA KPXIIMENT. 221 

It was but a moment's work to pass the rebel camps. An 
enfilading fire was poured upon our columns trom right and 
lefi:, and it was here that many ot' our brave men tell. The 
troops on the right and lett of us, seeing Wagner's men 
advancing, also went torward, and thus the whole line was 
moved. The taking of Missionary Ridge, therefore, was 
inaugurated not so much bv the genius of commanders, or 
the bravery of soldiers, as bv mistake. It was fortunate for 
us that this mistake was committed, as it would have been 
very disastrous to have remained long at the foot of the 
ridge. So what was commenced by mistake was completed 
most gloriouslv by courage. When the line had reached 
one-third, or perhaps one-half wav up the ridge, the men 
were ordered to fall back to the works. By whom the order 
was given, or for what purpose, I can not tell, but it was 
attended with both good and bad results. 
It greatly exposed our Brigade, by caus- 
ing them to pass three times over the 
same ground, and bv placing them 
behind works that were not a protection. 
They were also much longer under fire 
than they would have been. But, on 
the other hand, our Brigade was on an 
exceedingly rough piece of ground, and 
VALENTINE E. HOBBs * immediately in front of a very strong 
Company E. positlou , SO thcrc would have been a 

ver}^ great slaughter if the charge had been continued. 
The falling back drew the rebel fire on us, and this gave the 
other troops an opportunitv to advance, which they did, and 
thus flanked the rebels and weakened their line on our 
front. 

While our troops are resting, I will speak a little of other 
things. I maintained my position where it was at the 
beginning of the charge. It was at first designed to make 

* Was born May 16, 1S42. Enlisted in Company E, s^th Indiana, in 
1861. W^ent with the Regiment from Camp Gibson to Lebanon, Ky., where 
he was taken sick, and died in the liospital at that place, February 16, 186;. 




222 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

that a place for the collection of our wounded, but there was 
a road a little to the right, leading to Chattanooga, and the 
wounded were principally collected along that way. A. R. 
Redman, severely wounded in the elbow, came to w^here I 
was, under the care of Jacob Gudgel. Some others came 
that w^av, but I did not remain long here. Most of the cas- 
ualties of the 58th occurred in this part of the tight. Private 
William Riley Blythe, of Company A, was severely 
wounded and died in a few moments. Private Blackard, of 
Company B, was shot dead. Sergeant Howard remained 
on the hillside when the Regiment went back. A few 
moments after thev were gone he rose up, trom where he was 
Iving behind a tree, and remarked to Ed. Carson, who was 
near, "The Regiment has gone, we had better go too." 
Just then he w^as pierced by a ball that passed entirely 
through him. He spoke of being shot and asked to be car- 
ried off. Tiiese were his last words, as his eyes were imme- 
diately closed in death. He did not even have the consola- 
tion of Wolfe, who died content because the enemy fled. 
Howard was a pleasant and intelligent soldier, and w^as w-ell 
liked in the Regiment. At the time of his death he w^as act- 
ing as Lieutenant, though he had not yet been commis- 
sioned. As he lav on the tield during the night, his sword, 
jacket and boots w-ere stolen from his body, by some of the 
ghouls that infest the battlefield. 

Hut to return. Night, best loved of all seasons by a 
defeated arm\-, drew near. The sun's departing glories 
rested on a rich halo, on hill and mountain top. Never can 
I forget the grand sight which greeted my eyes at that 
moment. To mv left, long lines of men in blue were going 
up, and uj") the ridge, and over them the stars and stripes 
waved gloriously. In front rebel cannon thundered death 
into their ranks, but unshaken they pressed forward. Higher 
and \-et higher the brave troopers rose, until the star spangled 
banner was planted on the mountain top. At that point the 
guns were a moment silent, then the smoke of an explosion 
was seen, the thunder sound was again heard, but the balls 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 223 

went the other way. The rebel guns were turned on them. 
By this time the battle was gathering in more terrible earn- 
estness than at any former period. Away to the left the 
contest was very sharp, and I was exercised by fear of a 
failure. Our own Brigade by this time, was climbing the 
mountain side, I could distinctly see them working their 
way up, and could see that the rebels were running for dear 
life. General Bragg cleared out from his headquarters in 
great haste. One or two of his staff were captured, and 
Lieutenant Wood captured a brazen scabbard belonging to 
one of them. The 58th passed up just west of the wagon 
road, leading to Bragg's headquarters. Company A crossed 
the road. After our Brigade reached the top it passed on 
after the fl^ang foe. 

But my duties are with the wounded. I gave such aid as 
I could. At the breastworks I saw poor Robert Redman, 
the faithful and highly esteemed Orderly, of Company F. 
He had been pierced by a grape shot through the back of 
the head while the troops were lying there. He was mov- 
ing and struggling about, though he was entirely uncon- 
scious. Great credit is due John T. Miller, of the band, for 
staying by him and attending to him through the night. 
The rebel huts at the foot of the hill were tilled with our 
wounded. I passed by Floward and others of our dead. I 
went on up the road to Bragg's headquarters and found the 
first Brigade of our Division there. I rode on to my Regi- 
ment and found them still moving when I came to them. 
After remaining with the Regiment for a short time I started 
on my return to the scene of recent battle. 

The way was strewn with cast off articles of the fleeing 
rebels. A person could pick up anything from a siege gun 
to a lousy shirt. I contented m3\self with a wooden stirrup 
which, however, proved of no value when I examined it in 
camp. I saw some parties of thieves prowling among the 
dead. I am in favor of leaving a detail of good men on such 
occasions to shoot down these cowardly scoundrels, who 
remain behind to rob the honored dead. 



224 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Around in the vicinity of the top of the ridge, the most of 
those wounded were of the 40th Indiana and the 97th Oliio. 
There were quite a number of rebel wounded and dead along 
iho way. Haskins, a half blind and entirely worthless 
genius, who ran off in the earl}' part of the charge, took two 
of the loose rebels to the provost marshal, in Chattanooga, 
and obtained a receipt lor them. 

The scene of suffering at the foot of the ridge, in the old 
camp, was terrible. In every direction could be seen fires 
which had been kindled, and about them was collected the 
wounded, trying to keep warm. The night was cold and 
many perished from sutTering and exposure. Among those 
whom I saw here was Irvin Lowe, of Company G. He said 
to me that he would die if nothing was done for him. I 
could do nothing to afford the poor fellow relief and he died 
next da}'. 

It must have been midnight when 1 reached mv quarters. 
My horse and mj-self were worn down. It seemed as if the 
experience of a month had been crowded into a day. 

After a few hours rest in camp I arose and made prepara- 
tions to return to the Regiment at the front. My horse was 
stiff from over-riding, yesterday, and I had to walk a good 
part of the way, leading him. On the way out over the 
battlefield I passed many dead and wounded soldiers, who 
liad not yet been gathered up by the ambulance corps. In 
addition to their wounds, the suffering of the wounded from 
the cold last night must have been terrible. 

The Regiment had advanced a mile or so from where I 
liad lel't it last night. The men were in good spirits, 
although short of rations, lliev had some corn to parch 
and some meal with which to make "Johnnv cakes." One 
solitary rooster had been heard to crow at a neighboring farm 
house in the early morning. It was his last crow. The 
bovs who had driven Bragg's arm^' from his entrenchments, 
on Mission Ridge, were not in a humor to be crowed over. 

After I had partaken of a frugal breakfast I set about mak- 
ing a list of the killed and wounded. 



1^'IFTY-EldHTH INDIANA EECHMENT. 225 

I then returned to the foot of the ridge to assist in burying 
the dead, I found that John Whittelsey, of Company B, 
had ah-eady made a very neat coffin for his brother-in-law, 
W. R. Blythe. He was engaged in making other coffins 
for Sergeant Henry C. Howard and Jasper Blackard. Ser- 
geant Gudgel, in charge of a detail, had gone to Chat- 
tanooga to have the graves dug. There had, previous to 
this battle, been a nice burial spot for our dead selected by 
order of the Government. It had been laid offb}^ engineers 
of the army. So complete were the arrangements that, even 
if there were not monuments to mark the resting places of 
our dead, their graves could be easily found by measure- 
ment. 

Sergeant Gudgel procured an order for graves numbered 
i6, 18 and 19, and, just at dusk, we committed to earth our 
three comrades. A short prayer was offered up to the 
Great Author of Life, the graves were filled, and we turned 
again to other duties. But there are other hearts that will 
not so lightly turn from the contemplation of these dead. 
Perhaps, in each of these soldier's graves, is buried all the 
world to some fond and loving heart. May He that "beholds 
the sparrow's fall," and who "tempers the wind to the shorn 
lamb," bind up these broken hearts. 

By the time we had completed our sad duty to the dead 
our Brigade came in from the front. Some rousing cheers 
w^ere given when the boys reached their old camp. 
Companv F brought in Orderlv Redman, who was still 
living, though unconscious. He was taken to the hos- 
pital. 

To-night, orders were received to march, in the morning, 
with four days' rations and sixty rounds of ammunition. 
This was a bitter dose for men as tired as ours, and as des- 
titute of camp equipage. 

Friday, November 27. — The order for marching this 
morning is countermanded for the present. It is rumored 
that we are to go to Knoxville, to the relief of Burnside, 
now besieged by Longstreet. 



220 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

I went early this morning to look after our wounded. In 
the brick hospital, on Main street, I saw Lieutenant Zack 
Jones, w^ho is severely wounded in the foot. Captain Gard- 
ner, formerly of Colonel BuelFs stat^', is in an adjoining 
room, with his leg amputated. I saw several of our soldiers 
in the lower ward. I then went to Sheridan's Division hos- 
pital. Here I found Lieutenant Gus Milburn, who had 
received a terrible wound in the face. Isaiah Hay, of Com- 
pany A ; C. J. Mvers, and several others of our men, were 
in this hospital. 

George Taylor, of Company A, was in an adjoining 
church, severe!}' wounded in the leg. I saw a brutal sur- 
geon, wath a cigar in his mouth, trying to ascertain if Tay- 
lor's leg was broken. I was strongly tempted to lay aside 
whatever of religious scruples migiit be in the way, and 
whatever of military discipline that would restrain, and 
knock that scoundrel of a surgeon down, then and there. 
But I did not do it, and am sorry that I did not, after think- 
ing it over. Surely, hell is too good for a man who would 
treat a suffering soldier as that surgeon did Taylor. 

Robert Redman, of Company F, died to-day. Irwin 
Lowe, Company G, died last night. Both were brave, good 
soldiers, and their death, from wounds received in battle, 
adds two more names to the roll of patriot heroes. 

Following is a complete list of the killed and wounded in 
the battle of Mission Ridge : 

LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED. 

COMPANY A. 

KrLLED — Private William R. Blythe. 

WoiXDED — Sergeant Jason H. Crow; Corporals A. R. Redman, George 
W. Tajlor and Isaiah Hay. Privates: George Willis, George W. Loomis, 
Daniel Dejarnett, James S. Bljthe, George W. Richardson and Harrison 
Dossett. 

COM PANT B. 

Killed — Private Jasper Blackard. 

Wounded — Captain James M.Smith. Privates: John Hedrick, Frank- 
lin Durham, Robert W. Morgan. 



FIFTY-P:I(IHTH IXDIAXA EEGIMENT. 22 7 

COMPANY C. 

Wounded — F'irst Lieutenant Augustus iNIilburn; Sergeants Monroe Key 
and James S. Kitterman; Corporals Daniel Harrison, Ezekiel Hadlock and 
Asa Watts. Privates: Emery Burnett and Albert Shreves. 

COMPANl' D. 

WoLiNDED — Sergeant Charles C. Montgomer\-. Privates: Adam C ]. 
Myers and Mattjiew Swan. 

COMPANl' E. 

Wou.VDED — F'irst Lieutenant George W. Hill, Sergeant A. Mouser, Cor- 
poral J. W. Holder. Privates: A. O. Adams, Y. M. Boyles, J. C. Corn and 
Newton Cavender. 

COMPANY F. 

Killed — Orderly Sergeant Robert A. Redman. 

Wounded — Corporal Alfred H. Medcalf. Privates: Edwin B. Hanes, 
James O. Jones, Martin Small and Otto Wielhelmas. 

• COMPANY G. 

Killed — Private Irwin Lowe 

Wounded — Sergeant Henry Beck, Corporal James Elder. Privates: 
Perry Amos and William R. F^owler. 

COMPANY II. 

Wounded — Captain Green C. McDonald, First Lieutenant Zachariah 
Jones, Orderly Sergeant Peter Honey, Corporal George A. Vierling. Pri- 
vates: Wm. R. Engler, James H. Saulter, James A. Smith, Thomas Moore 
and Joseph Fregans. 

COMPAN Y I. 

Wounded — Privates: Wm. H. Doades, Daniel P. Hawkins, Alvin S. 
Pride, Thos. J. Kinnman, John Nelson, James Jones, Henry C. Wyatt and 
Josiah Wiley. 

COMPANY K. 

Killed — First Sergeant Henry C. Howard. 

Wounded — Privates: Council B. Wilder, Wm. Smith and John Corr. 

RECAPITULA TION. 

Killed 5 

Wounded 6i 



CHAPTER XVII 



KxoxviLLE Campaign — An Unpropitious Beginning of 
A Tour into East Tennessee — Condition of the 
Tourists — Incidents of the March — Siege of 
Knoxville Raised — Longstreet Stile Hovers 
About — Marching Without Sense — A Foolish 
Panic — More Foolishness — Suffering from Cold 
and Hunger — The Veteran Question — Re-enlist- 
ment as a Regiment — Return to Chattanooga. 



ABOUT noon, Saturday, November 28, orders came to 
"tall in," and our contemplated march towards Knox- 
ville was begun. We wait until the lirst Brigade of our 
Division, under the command of Colonel Sherman, of the 
88th Illinois, passes. The Regiments look small, but as there 
are twice the number in a Brigade as formerlv thev present 
a strong force, as a whole. We started on alter the tirst 
Brigade. We did not take along much baggage, in fact did 
not have much to take. Very few of the officers or men had 
a change of clothing. One of the most necessary things — 
the shelter tent — was left behind, which was a great mistake. 
We have a man in the state prison at Nashville because he 
refused to take his shelter tent on picket. Now a whole 
Division is started for Knoxville, more than a hundred miles, 
in mid-winter, without their tents. These tents will not 
weigh more than a pound or two, and yet they are a great 
protection from rain and cold. Is it not strange that oiu^ 
commanders are so thoughtless? 

We marched very slowly, as there were obstructions in the 
way. We did not cross Missionary Ridge, but kept near 
the river. Our Division (Slieridan's) was followed bv that 
of General Wood. 



FIFTY-EUiHTIl INDIANA IJEUIMENT. 221) 

Just after dark we passed through a wide swamp, where 
the boys had to wade through mud and water. It was an 
unpleasant introduction to a long winter campaign, but the 
boys plunged in, and, with loud cheers and shouts, seemed 
disposed to make the best of it. We camped for the night 
just beyond this swamp, having marched seven miles to-dav. 

Sunday, November 29. — We had to hurry our breakfast 
this morning, in order to take our place near the head of the 
column. We came to the banks of the Chickamauga, where 
we found the remains of General Sherman's camps, and the 
rifle pits constructed by him. 

There was a pontoon over Chickamauga, laid during tlie 
recent operations, for the purpose of sending our cavalrv to 
the enemy's rear. It was protected bv an earthwork tor 
ridemen on the Chattanooga side. The banks of this creek 
were very steep at this point. The ground was almost a 
quick sand. The little feet of the mules sank deep in the 
mire. It was almost impossible to get the wagons across. 
General Wagner stood swearing on the thither shore. He 
called Heaven's severest penalties on mules, drivers and 
wagons. His language was enough to "make the cheek of 
darkness pale." It is shameful to have such an example set 
before the soldiers. 

We soon debouched into the open country. The roads 
improved. The column moved briskly forward. About 
twelve m. we passed through the village of Harrison. It 
never had been much of a town ; even in its palmiest da vs. 
The houses were poorly' planned, and worse constructed. 
Now, desolation was everywhere apparent. Here and 
there '"cheap cash store," or some other trite sign was let- 
tered on empt}' houses. At one corner stood a delunct inn, 
labeled, "The Alhambra ;" as empty, but not as romantic, as 
the original. A few woebegone specimens of humanitN' 
hung about the fences, or peered through the doors. Such 
is Harrison, the county seat of Hamilton county. 

We went but a short distance beyond Harrison, as the 
bridge over Bear Creek was destroyed. It was torn up by 



230 CHAPLATX HTGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

our retreating Ciivalr^', when they returned from their expe- 
dition, spoken of above. Men were detailed to repair this 
bridge. 

After traveling eleven miles we went into camp, not far 
from the Tennessee, where the wind from the river had full 
sweep. We hastily collected rails and leaves. Lieutenant 
Mason, with his Company, was detailed for picket. As 1 
am messing with him, I concluded to go on picket also. 
We passed over a hill into a pleasant vallev. We rested 
well on a bed of leaves. We were called in next morning 
before day. 

Early in the afternoon of Mondav we approached the 
Hiawassee River, and camped for an hour in the woods. 
Near dark we went down to the river bank. Here we found 
the steamer Paiiit Rock, which had come up loaded with 
rations and towing barges for transporting troops over the 
Hiawassee. The 58th was soon passed over. 1 left mv 
horse in charge of Sergeant C. C. Montgomery and went 
over with the Regiment. We stopped amongst the weeds, 
rails being scarce. 

Rations were issued to tlie Regiments at night, as it was 
expected that we would march earlv in the morning. Gen- 
eral Granger had informed the troops that we were to go on 
a forced march to relieve General Burnside, now besieged 
at Knoxville. I went to draw rations for mv mess. I had 
to wait until the troops were all supplied. Then I could not 
get near for the crowd of officers and negroes. The weather 
was intensely cold. Few nights of more intense suffering 
have fallen to my lot. It was one a. m. when I succeeded 
in getting my rations. If I could have spent the remainder 
of the nigiit pleasantly I might have almost forgotten the 
early part of the night. But the longest and coolest nights 
have an end. Morning was exceedingly welcome. 

Tuesday, December i. — It was noon before all our trans- 
portation was over and we were permitted to resume our 
march. We passed through Georgetown. There was more 
signs of life here than at Harrison. Here and there a flag 



FIFTY-PHGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. L>;U 

was hung out — a genuine star spangled banner. Some of 
the people seemed glad to see us. One small boy declared 
that we looked like "meetintj folks." Our men were very 
uncouth, but were nice and genteel, as compared with the 
rebels, whose lank and ragged lorms had tVequented these 
parts of late. 

We marched thirteen miles and it was alter dark long 
before the march was completed. At last we turned into a 
dark woods. Soon a thousand fires illuminated the scene, 
and we were made warm and comfortable. 

We camped Wednesday evening, after a twent\'-tiye mile 
march, on a rich farm. It was old Tom Prigmore's, The 
boys went in heavy on straw, hay, oats, rails, chickens, 
et id omne genus. Alas ! for old Tom Prigmore. 

W^e came to the railroad next day. Here we began to see 
signs of war. Fences were laid down, or entirely destroyed. 
We soon came to a village called Philadelphia. In the 
center was a fine spring, bubbling up amongst the rocks. 
The people seemed poor. Desolation reigned supreme. A 
few weeks since, Colonel Woolford had been surprised here 
by some of Longstreet's forces. The result was of course 
disastrous to our arms. 

We supposed up to this time that we were to go to Lou- 
don. But we left it and turned towards Morgantown. 
After marching twenty miles we camped on the farm of 
William Fowler. Near us, on the right, was Sherman's 
army. Thus lar I had been disappointed in East Ten- 
nessee. It was better than I anticipated. Instead of small 
valleys, as I had anticipated, it was one great valle}'. The 
soil is generally good. Springs of fine water and mill 
seats abound. I never saw such a country for water power 
in my life. 

We remained in camp Friday, December 4th. The 
rations drawn at the Hiawassee river were out, and, as we 
could get no more supplies by the regular channel, it became 
necessary to obtain them from the country. So the mills in 
the neig-hborhood were started. 



("HAPLAIX HKIHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



Saturday, December 5. — We left camp at seven a. m. 
We marched to the Little Tennessee, at a point opposite 
Morgantown. We took a very circuitous route to reach this 
river. Cause, unknown. The Little Tennessee is a mag- 
nificent stream ; clear, swift and fordable, for horses. A 
trestle bridge had been made over the stream. Over this, 
the arm}' was passed, except the horses, which waded. 
After crossing the river, we struck out through a range of 
hills. A few poor people lived here. 

We came to the most 
magnilicent pine forest I 
ever saw. It was grand 
beyond description. The 
Heaven above is com- 
plete! v shut out. The 
road runs like an aisle ot 
some grand cathedral, 
and the columns a long 
train of worshipers. 
Sounds echo as in a cav- 
ern. From this we de- 
bouched into an open 
countrv. We came to a 
broad dirt road, leading 
to Maryville. On this 
liio-hwaN' twilitrht came 
upon us. Just at this 
hour we moved into a 
wood on the lelt of the 
road. A large barn furnished an abundance of hav and 
straw. We were soon prepared to rest well at night. But 
rations were entirelv wantin<r. 




M()XR<JK Ki:^', I.IEL TKXANT CO. C. 



* Was mustered in at Camp Gibson as Sergeant of Company C; was 
promoted to 2d Lieutenant ot" that Company, October i, 1S64, and was with 
the Regiment until its muster out. Since leaving the army, Lieutenant Key 
has made his home in (jihson county. He was elected ShcritV ot' the countv 
in 188S, and re-elected in 1890, serving tour years altogether. He then 
retired to his farm near Patoka, where he now resides. 



f!fTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EE(;niK.\T. 233 

Sunday, December 6. — We early resumed the march. 
We passed through Maryville ; a nice town, before war's 
accursed touch blighted it. To the right lay Sherman's 
army. We camped about two miles in advance. 

We here learned that Longstreet had raised the siege of 
Knoxville. It was said by General Wacrner that the cam- 
paign was ended. It was generally belieyed that we would 
now return to our camps at Chattanooga. 

Monday, December 7. — We received orders to go on to 
Knoxville. This was very acceptable to me as I had a 
strong desire to see the capital of East Tennessee. We soon 
came to Little River. I went up to a ford above Knoxville, 
while the footmen crossed below the town. The road con- 
tinued to grow worse. Mud holes were very frequent. The 
-country increased in roughness as we approached Knoxville. 
Thus far on the way from Chattanooga the land had more 
than met m}' highest expectations. Now I was disappointed, 
as I had always heard that the country about Knoxville was 
almost a second Eden. I found it a barren waste. Night 
overtook us amid tiie rugged hills, damp valleys, and innum- 
erable mud holes. Weariness, such as sinks into the utmost 
soul, came upon us all. Delusive fires awakened false hopes 
of camp. Knoxville is left to the sinister. Still the march 
continues. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." At 
last we come to the "desired haven." The 26th Ohio have 
nothing but officers. The remaining Regiments were very 
slim. We had marched twenty miles. 

Tuesday, December 8. — Lieutenant-Colonel Moore re- 
ceived orders to take his Regiment to McNutt's Mill, on 
Boyd's Creek, and run that and any other mills in the neigh- 
borhood. We marched at seven a. m. We tound the 
country rough. But after eight or ten miles journey we 
came to the valley of the French Broad. Before us rose the 
mountains, some miles away, but tiie fertile valley spread out 
at oiH" very feet. In this country our men had been per- 
mitted to torage, even during the siege of Knoxville. The 
country was not entirely exhausted. 



284- CHAPLAIX HKiHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

On the \va\' up we met a torage train fl^'ing in great speed 
for Knoxville. In one place they left all of one wagon save 
the tongue, and in another might be seen the bed and hind 
wheels. They were sadly demoralized by a report of the 
capturing of two companies of Home Guards at Sevierville, 
this morninfj. 

We learned that McNutt's Mill was a verv poor al^air. 
Hence it was determined to go to Brabson's Mill, on the 
French Broad. 

We passed a number of Home Guards, with their guns 
and forty rounds. Almost everybody seems to be for the 
Union, 

It was dark when we camped on the hill overlooking the 
mill and river. A large quantitv of flour was found in the 
sacks, and one Chambers' meat house vielded the shorten- 
ing. So the 58th Indiana had plentv for once. 

Our wagons were sent out for corn and wheat, except two, 
which were loaded with flour and dispatched to the troops. 
Brabson's Mill was started. Great plentv was found in the 
coimtry. We had pork, meal, flour, sorgo, chickens, green 
apples, etc. All this was very acceptable to hungry men. 
As I was exceedingly tired I gave myself up to rest. 

The Regiment meets with great success in collecting 
rations for the troops, Companv A was sent to run McNutt's 
Mill. It is said to be owned by a good Union woman, 
whose husband was a rebel. Nearh- all the people here are 
tor the Union. Most of the men are armed with govern- 
ment muskets. It was suggested that we have public ser- 
vices on Sabbath mornino-, and that the citizens be invited 
to attend. Tin- annovnicement was accordingly made, but 
our anticipations are all blasted by the arrival of a coiu'ier, 
ordering the Regiment to rejoin the Brigade at Kingston. 
We are to march in the morning. 

Fkidav, Dkckmber II. — Wo took a late start, everybody 
carrying all the rations possible. It seemed impossible for 
either men or oflicers to be satisfied. Tvvery one acted as if 
rations were never to be drawn as^ain, and life to end with 



FIFTY-EKJHTH IXI>IANA KE(iIMEXT. 2^^, 

the present supply. Mr. Chamber's ox-wagon was pressed 
in to help transport our goods. 

We marched slowly, and camped, alter dark, about tour 
miles iVom Knoxyille. We stopped in a poor place, too 
rough for comfortable sleeping, and destitute of water. 

Saturday, December 12. — We met the ist Brigade of 
our Diyision coming out to relieye us. From them we 
learned that the orders for our Corps to go to Chattanooga 
were countermanded. This vyas one of the first acts ot 
GLQ.neral Foster in taking command. 

In the afternoon, our Brigade crossed the Holston on thr 
pontoons and marched through Knoxyille. There were 
great crowds of men, women and children — especially the 
two latter classes. Negroes, especially little negroes, 
abounded. The Brigade made a good appearance, consid- 
ering their rags and dirt. The boys are genuine "bare- 
footed democracy" now. 

Knoxyille is situated, like old Rome, on hills. I^ike Jeru- 
salem, there are mountains 'round about her. Away to the 
south might be seen the ranges of North Carolina and Geor- 
gia. To the northeast there are seyeral peaks, which I sup- 
pose to be the Clinch mountains. Knoxyille, for many 
years, has been the center of fashion and intelligence for East 
Tennesse. The houses neyer were as stylish as those in 
more northern climes, but were large and substantial. This 
must haye been a fine little city in days gone by. But war 
has made its desolating marks. When our men first came 
to this city they were exceedingly desirous to protect and 
preserye the city. But when besieged by Longstreet, many 
fine houses had to be torn down to make way for the defen- 
siye works, or to get them out of the range of our guns, or 
to preyent them trom being a protection to the enemy's 
sharpshooters. Fences were destroyed, and the fine 
country laid w^aste for miles. This last was done by the 
enemy. 

We marched out of the city between the East Tennessee 
Uniyersitv and Fort Sanders. The former stood on a hill 



2:5<5 CHAI'LAIX HKiHT'S HISTOID (►F THH 

on the left, and consisted of five buildings, built after the 
ideas of some old countrymen. The central building is of 
the same order as the old-style court houses of Tennessee, 
Kentucky and Indiana, It is square, and has a nameless 
thing, intended for a cupola, on top. The other buildings 
were of a later date, and on slighth' imj^roved models. So 
much for peace and learning. 

Over the way stood Fort Sanders, untinisiied, but with a 
history already written in blood, I did not have time to visit 
it to-day. 

As we passed our lines of entrenchments, there were evi- 
dences of the late conflict. Our men had lived, and some of 
them died, in the trenches. They had tires to protect them 
from the intensely cold weather. There w^ere some ingeni- 
ously contrived flues in the sides of the ditches. Wires were 
stretched in front of the works. A number of houses were 
fixed up as forts for riflemen. We found the advance works 
of the enemy within ours, siiowing that thev had driven our 
men. 

We stopped amid the filth of an old rebel camp. The 
weather was raw% and rain was threatening. Some old 
houses were torn down to make shelters for the men. At 
night the rain fell, but most of the men were protected. 
There is mucii dissatistaction amongst the men because we 
are detained in this department, 

Sunday, December 13. — This is a raw, rain\' day. 
Many went over to see Fort Sanders. I designed having 
church in the morning, but all things were adverse. So I 
went, in company with several oflicers, to see Fort Sanders. 
We first went into the woods and fields where the enemy 
massed and formed tiieir forces lor the deadh- charge. 
How many a brave man's heart was filled with sad misgiv- 
ings, on that fatal night, as he took his place in the line I 
IIpw many fond memories crowded upon the throbbing 
brain I Home, and all its lo\-ed scenes and inmates, come 
before the mind as Heaven's richest blessings, perhaps never 
more to be enioved. 



FIFTV-EKiHTH INDIANA J{E(t1MKNT. 2;}7 

With many, these painful tears were realized. For here 
on the hillside are the graves of man\' of these poor fellows. 
Their bodies are scarcely hid. Indeed, here is one man 
with his h\g toe sticking out of the grave I The profane and 
thoughtless deliver themselves of many jokes at iiis expense 
— "jokes," as they suppose, but blasphemies in truth. "At 
his expense," as they imagine, but really at their own. 
Judas tliought tliirtv pieces of silver the price ot Jesus. It 
was the price of his own soul. 

But, to return, here is another with his face exposed I 
The rebels seem to care little about bvu^ying their dead, and 
nothing about their enemies. Farther up towards the fort 
are seen remnants of clothing, old hats and pools of blood. 
In the ditch itself these indications of the deadly strife are 
numerous. We went into the fort. Here we learned some 
items of the deadly conflict. These belong to history. 

At two p.m. we had meeting at the quarters of Companies 
A and F. The attendance was very poor. I preached 
about Satan, and gave him no good name. 

Monday, December 14. — The weather is becoming raw 
and w'intry. We are tentless, and poorly clad. Some of 
the men are barefooted. Some have no blankets. But tew 
have overcoats. Some are in their shirt sleeves. There is 
not, in all probabilitv, a sound pair of socks in the Regi- 
ment. The men clamor for Chattanooga. 

General Wagner has obtained permission to quarter his 
Brigade in the East Tennessee University, in Knoxville. He 
told Colonel Moore that on yesterday, he walked the floor, 
chewed tobacco, and swore all day, on account of the condi- 
tion of his men. Well, we marched in to occupy our zc/n- 
ter quarters — as we supposed. The buildings were very 
much crowded. A part of the 40th Indiana occupied the 
third story of the eastern wing,- and tlie 58th were to have 
the remainder of the building. But many of the rooms are 
occupied by the sick and hospital attendants. These can not 
be moved at once. Hence, many of the men can not be 
quartered in the house to-night. The soldiers clamor tor 



238 CHAPLAIN HTGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

"the woods, the woods." So long have we lived in the for- 
ests that the men are almost wild. As for the field and staff, 
they are to stop in a private house. Colonel Neff, of the 
40th, and Colonel Moore, of the 58th, had succeeded in 
thrusting themselves into a house. The owner thereof is a 
good Union man — so he says. But he is kind enough to 
take his carpet off the floor, carry away the mattress from the 
bed, remove the table and chairs, and furnish no wood. 
To-night I will have the pleasure of sleeping on his dirty 
floor. This is better than I am accustomed to. But, some- 
how, I have contracted a kind of contempt lor this kind of 
a "Union" man, from ^^■hich I fear I will never recover. 
He says he attended the East Tennessee Universitv six 
years. But I am certain of one thing — he iias not learned 
the first and simplest lessons of good manners. 

About noon, Tuesday, December 15, rumors began to 
thicken of marching. I believe them, for it is in exact 
keeping with our destin}-. The 58th Indiana are certainlv 
"pilgrims and strangers here below." Soon the orders 
came. Hurried, but incomplete preparations were made. 
All sorts of orders were given and countermanded. Things 
generally were mixed. Many men were left because the}^ 
were sick, or shoeless. Finally, near night, we were put on 
board of the cars. I sent my horse in care of a servant bv 
the dirt road. I took mv place in a crowded car. Tiie 
locomotive could scarcely move the train. About eight p. m. 
we were put oft', opposite Strawberry Plains, about seven- 
teen miles from Knoxville. On one side of the track we 
found rails. We made a fire and soon had supper. As the 
night was cold and bedding scarce, we removed the fire 
and laid down on the hot earth. It is an excellent plan. 
Try it some night when you are destitute of sufiicient 
bedding. 

Wednesday, December 16. — We did not march early, 
but we marched. Instead of crossing the river, as I thought 
we would, we went up the river. I went trudging along, 
with mv two woolen, and c^ne trum, blankets. It is a hard 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGDIENT. 239 

thing to soldier on foot. The boys seemed to enjoy my 
walk more than I did. They laughed heartily to see me 
sweajt and hear me blow. But, for my own part, I did not 
see the joke. We soon overtook our train, which had 
come through during the night, and I mounted my horse 
gladly. 

We did not advance farther than the bridge on the Knox- 
ville road, when we met a wagon train on the way back to 
Knoxville. As we passed along this train I noticed an 
unusual number of men. I soon became convinced that 
they were stragglers. Somebody was evidently scared in 
front. Rumors of lighting began to prevail. Longstreet 
had been heavily reinforced. He was advancing and driv- 
ing our men. So the stragglers said. We went about four 
or five miles from the Plains and went into camp. The 
stream of wagons, stragglers and natives continued to flow 
by us all day. There must have been two thousand of these 
miserable skulkers, chiefly cavalry. It did our boys great 
good to tantalize them. 

"Hurry up, hurry up !" our men would say, "we will tr}' 
and hold them back until you get to a safe place." "Give 
way and let the cavalrv pass to the rear." 

When the facts all came to light, it turned out that there 
had been a cavalry fight at Bean's Station, and our men had 
run off", leaving a train of coffee, sugar and great coats in 
rebel hands. 

The Regiment remained in this vicinity for several weeks, 
duriuij which time there was a monotonous scarcitv of 
rations and wearing apparel. But we varied the monotony 
of this daily lack by an almost dailv moving of our camping 
place. This kept the boys busy fixing up and tearing down 
their rude huts, and served to make them forget their other 
troubles. It also served to show a lack of decision and good 
judgment on the part of our commanders. 

Christmas day was spent in camp, about five miles above 
Strawberry Point, on the banks of the Holston river; we 
had just moved here the day before. 



240 CHArLAIX IIKiHT'S IIISTOIIV OF THE 

Tuesday, December 26. — The 26lh Ohio has re-enlisted 
as veterans, and Lieutenant-Colonel Young has gone to 
Chattanooga to complete the arrangements. A few even- 
ings since, General Wagner called the Regiments into line 
and explainecl to them the veteran cjuestion. There are 
quite a number of men in tiie 58th who are anxious to 
re-enlist. In mv opinion this veteran movement is all 
wrong. I think it would be better for the Government to 
enforce the draft and bring new men into the service. Let 
the Government save its big bounties. 

Thursday, December 31. — Another vear has passed 
away ; 1863 is gone. This, to me, has been one of the most 
eventful years of mv life. It opened on the dead and 
wounded of the hrst dav's tight at Stone River. Next dav 
was Friday's deadly fight. At Murfreesboro we had com- 
parative quite and good times generally. Chickamauga and 
Mission Ridge are great events in 1863. My health has 
been good all year. For this I am very thankful, as I was 
sick much of last vear. God has wonderlulh' blessed me 
in every respect. Thanks to the Great Giver of every good 
and perfect blessing. 

Dr. Samuel E. Holtzman, Assistant Surgeon of the 58th, 
reached the Regiment Fridav, the 8th. He was captured 
at the Wood's Division Hospital, near Crawfish Springs, on 
September 20tii, 1863. He remained there thirteen days, in 
charge of our wounded. Li compan\- with the other Sur- 
geons he was sent to Ringgold and jiul on the cars. He 
was taken to Riciimond and put in the lamous Libby prison, 
where he remained until Novemlier 24th. With the other 
Surgeons he was released and sent Xorlh. He visited 
Washington, New York, and various other cities of minor 
importance. He returned with less flesh tlian wlien he went 
awa}'. 

WED^■^:sDA^^ JAXUAK^■ 13. — I'hree men. who were 
wounded at Chickamauga, came up to-day. Thc-y are 
George Cjasawa\', of D: IL>mbre(\ ol" ]•>, and Rock, ol (i. 
They came with a supph' train from Chattanooga. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA l{K(iIMENT. lUl 

The following m^n were mustered in to-dav as veterans, 

for three years, from January i, 1864 : 

Company B — ^J. N. Endicott, W. A. Duncan, Nathan Bigham. 
Company C — Lewis Field. 

Company D — Larkin Montgomery, James M. Cunningham, Albert 
Brewster, Adolphus A. Floor. 

Company II — John W. Vierling. 
Company' I — Robert Lemmon. 
Company K — Wm. II. Young. 

This is one-third of the unconditional veterans of the 58th. 
The remainder are to go home in two future installments. 
These are ordered to hold themselves in readiness to go 
home at a moment's warning. This is the iirst time I ever 
heard that order given in the arm^'. 

Lieutenants Samuel Sterne and Wood Tousev have been 
commissioned Captains. Both will make splendid officers. 
Captain W. A. Downey, recently acting as assistant surgeon, 
now on his way trom Libby Prison, having been captured 
with the hospital at Chickamauga, has been recommended 
for Major of tlie Regiment, zvcf Moore, promoted to Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel. 

Thursday, January 14 — This forenoon the long expected 
train came up, twenty-two da^-s from Chattanooga. One 
wagon caine for the 58th, containing a few knapsacks and 
shelter tents for the men, bedding for officers, and a miser- 
able lot of old trash for Regimental headquarters. Just as 
the train was coming in orders came to prepare the coinmand 
to move over the river. The wagons forded the stream. 
All the Regiments were transported over in two little flats. 
Our Regiment did not go. About sixtv men came up for 
the 58th from Chattanooga. 

Friday, January 15. — The Veterans, spoken of da\' 
before yesterday, started for home this morning. 

We moved at daylight. The morning was chilly and 
damp. We passed over the Holston and camped on the 
other bank. After remaining there until about noon we 
marched through the hills over a glassy road. We crossed 
the railroad about four miles from Strawberr\' Plains. A 



242 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

short distance from here we went into camp in a woods to 
the right of the main road. Dr. Holtzman and myself put 
up a tent, which had been assigned to us. So I slept under 
a wall tent for the tirst time since we left Hillsboro, in 
August . 

Saturday, January i6. — We marched early, towards 
Berry's Mountain. The roads were very slick. The horses 
were so poor and foot sore that they could scarcely stand, 
We crossed Beny's Mountain, about live miles to the right 
of Mossy Creek Station. This mountain is about as high as 
Missionary Ridge. The road is good and free from rocks. 
From the top the mountains of North Carolina could be seen, 
rising in grandeur before us. The descent was very gradual. 
Just at dark we entered Dandridge, twenty miles from Straw- 
berry Plains. As we drew near w^e heard the sound of light- 
ing before us. Harker's Brigade had gone into camp and 
then went to the front. We remained on a hillside during 
the night. Things looked like a battle. There is a great 
deficiency in ammunition and rations. W^e are in a mis- 
erable condition for fighting. And if we were to fight there 
must be immense suffering; amontrst the w^ounded. We 
have but few surgeons, and they are utterly destitute of 
supplies. 

Sunday, January 17. — This morning opened warm and 
pleasant. I took a walk through the town. In better days 
this must have been one of the pleasantest nooks in all nature. 
Few streams are more lovely than the French Broad. It is 
clear and pure. The current is fast. Northeast of the town, 
about ten miles, rises the mountains of North Carolina. 
They rise before the beholder like an enchanted view. The 
hills and valleys about Dandridge are fine. I noticed a lew 
good churches and school houses. 

Returning from a visit to the 2d Indiana Cavalry, I met 
one Regiment of cavalry going out. There was increased 
firing all along the line. My Brigade was falling in as I 
reached camp. They were formed on an adjacent hill. 
The firing increased to a roar all around the lines. There 



FIFTY-EiaHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 24.3 

was great confusion amongst the troops. They were mov- 
ing here and there. Evidently there was a sad need of a 
Genc7-al: One of our wagons had been placed in the Holston 
for a bridge. The other could not hold the baggage. We 
moved ot^', leaving the baggage to come up under charge of 
thirty men, detailed, and tiftv stragglers. We thought that 
we were going over the French Broad to take a position still 
farther to the right. But we went out on the same road we 
had come in on. We went silently, wonderingly along. 
Sad surmises and idle rumors were told in whispers, but 
complaints were loud and ol'ten sworn out. 

It was a long and weary tramp over the hills and moun- 
tains. Night was made for rest, for sleep, and ill betides 
the man who uses it lor other purposes. It is very weari- 
some to march at night. Instead of stopping when we had 
crossed Berrv's Mountain, we kept on until we were within 
three miles of Strawberrv Plains. Here, we stopped, just at 
the dawn of day, in an old corn held. 

Next dav we crossed the Holston at the Plains, on the 
railroad bridge, which had been iinely planked. We went 
out a mile and stopped in the woods for dinner — it proved 
for a longer time. Towards night the wagons came up. 
Some of the tents had been thrown out. 

Tuesday, January 19. — We remained all dav in camp. 
Rumors came thick and fast of Hardee moving on our line 
of communications, of Longstreet crossing the French Broad, 
of our retreating to Knoxville, cannon went down on the 
cars. The sick were sent oft\ Rails were hauled and piled 
on the bridge. 

Bob Skelton came in this evening. He was detailed on 
Sunday, during the fighting, to go beyond the French 
Broad and run a mill. Two men went with him. He 
crossed over two branches of the stream, and was overtaken 
by night on an island. Here he learned that the mill was in 
the possession of the rebels. Harker and his bridge was 
gone. A negro took them back over the river. Here the}-- 
were informed that the Yankees were srone. He was 



244 THAPLATX HTGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

warned by a negro woman to tiy. He heard the clanking 
of rebel swords. A path too narrow lor horsemen had been 
pointed out along the banks of the French Broad. This 
was followed until within six miles of Strawberry Plains. 
They then came across the countr\'. 

Wednesday, January 20. — About the middle of the after- 
noon, as I lay asleep, I was aroused by the blowing of the 
assembly in an adjoining Regiment. We were soon on the 
way, taking the railroad track, towards Knoxyille. I was a 
little exercised by the absence of my horse, which had been 
sent out foraging, but I was more exercised by the retreat. 
I was satisfied that to the front miorht be I'ound yictory, 
honor, safety and abundance. 

We went to the twelfth mile j-»ost from Knoxyille, and 
then turned off to the right. We unexpectedly stopped. It 
seemed a tine position for a battle as far as I could see. I 
was in hope it meant fight, but it didn't. We were not 
hunting a fight, it seems. 

Thursday, January 21. — Reveille at 4:30 a. m. 
Alarched at six a. m. Troops took the railroad, and trains 
the dirt road, to Knoxyille. I arrived there in advance of 
tht-' column. We passed tlirough the cit^^ crossed the river 
on the pontoon, and stopped near our old camp, two miles 
on the Sevierville road. Rumor says we go there to-mor- 
row. "Rumor" tells many tales. We hear but little that is 
reliable, hence "rumors" abound. It is said that there has 
been fighting to-day at Maryville ! It is said that Richmond 
is taken ! Tliere is no end to tin* thousand idle tales that 
iloat through the camps. And no tale is without its believ- 
ers. I believe that if I uere to declare myself commis- 
sioned from Heaven to declare a new (jospel tliere would 
be some believers. 

h'kiDAY, January 22. — It had been so long since we had 
been permitted to send out any mail, that I determined to 
take tiie letters to Knoxyille this morning, though we march. 
All was in readiness to march when the orders were coun- 
ti'rmanded. I determiiu'd to </() to tlie citv, an\ho\v. I 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA IJEGIMENT. 



245 



accordingly armed myself with a pass from Brigade head- 
quarters, and rode towards the pontoon. The road was very 
bad. I arrived in town before sunrise. The business houses 
were not yet opened. Went to a blacksmith shop and 
engaged the shoeing of my horse at $3.00 — such is an index 
of Knoxville prices I I then called at the office of the U. S, 
Christian Commission. There were two men in the rear 
room. One, with red hair and few words, wore a gown. 
The other, who did the talking, had the dress and appear- 
ance of one of those itinerant good people, who till the 
agencies of our various benevolent enterprises. The stock 

of reading matter con- 
sisted of about one thou- 
sand Testaments, a tew 
papers, and some tracts. 
I took a few lor my Regi- 
ment. 

On Jay street the crowd 
began to gatiier. The 
old places of business 
were occupied by a set of 
Jews and other miserable 
swindlers from the North. 
I purchased one pair ot 
— ^ suspenders tor $ 1 .50, and 

ISAIAH s. iiAv." ^^^rQ knives and two forks 

for the same money. There was a far greater abundance 
than w'hen we passed through here going to the front. I^ut 
prices were just as ruinous to the bu}'ers. No man can trade 
on that street without falling amongst thieves. I remained 
but a short time, and made no further purchases than those 
named above. 

* Was imistcred in with the Regiment, and was with it in all its marches 
and hattles until Missionary Ridge, at which place he was severely wounded 
and was not able for further active service. Returning home after his term 
of enlistment, he entered the ministrv in the General Baptist denomination, 
in which he holds a prominent and influential place. He has served three 
terins, successivelv, in the State Legislature, representing Warrick countv, 
where he still resides. 




246 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Saturday, January 23. — Orders came early this morning 
to march at eight. We again crossed the Knoxville pon- 
toon. Two Regiments of Wood's Division went down the 
left bank of the Holston, while Hazen's Brigade and our 
Division were to go down the right. It afforded us all great 
delight, as we tiled to the left in Knoxville, and turned 
towards our own glorious Armv of the Cumberland, and 
away from the Armv of the Ohio. And now whv was 
this? 

1. Foster's army is without a glorious history, such as 
Mill Spring, Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary 
Ridge, etc., have made for our own armv^ 

2. It is insignificant in numbers. 

3. The material is xevy poor. Tiie cavalrv are cow- 
ardlv, and worth but little. 

4. The organization of the Army of the Ohio is very 
lame. The 9th Corps is about as large as our Brigade. 

5. They have been stealing our supplies as they passed 
Knoxville. 

6. They are poorly officered. Generals, especiallv, are 
wanting. 

We were all glad, tVom General Granger to Sambo. We 
felt like men going home. 

Though Longstreet was threatening Knoxville in the front, 
I noticed no disposition to occupy the works on our part. 
Fort Sanders was being completed, but the work went leis- 
urely on. The Yankees were laying the foundation of a 
new and substantial bridge over the Holston. I hope many 
may come into these parts from the North, and that the 
farmers may be encouraged to cultivate their fields during 
the coming season. The land is too lovc-lv to long remain 
desolate. 

In our march, we got on the wrong road. A bv-path led 
us to Hascal's Mills, ten miles from Knoxville. We camped 
on a fine stream, long before niglit. It would have been a 
pleasant place if there had not been camping here before. 
It is always more pleasant to stop in a new, clean place. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 247 

Sunday, January 24. — Reveille at 4 : 30 a. m. Marched 
at six. Marker's Brigade was in advance and Sherman's in 
the rear. The latter took the Kingston road, while the 
remainder of the Division continued on towards Loudon. 
We camped at the twent\'-tirst mile post from Knoxville, 
eightv-ninth from Dalton, Georgia. Weather changing. 
The spring birds are singing. I never saw such pleasant 
weather in Januarv. We camped long before night. 

Monday, January 25. — We marched at day break, and 
reached Loudon early in the forenoon. We camped above 
and opposite the town, near Mr. Blair's. We did not go 
into winter quarters, for we were informed that we were to 
cross the river. Harker's Brigade is crossing. 

Great numbers of the people of this part of Tennessee are 
going to the free States. They will make good citizens. 
The counter-current of population will set in from the 
North. Thrifty farmers and ingenious mechanics will pour 
into these parts, and the land will be glad tor their com- 
ing. Tennessee is a great State, and a glorious destinv 
awaits it. 

This is, without mistake, a spring day. It is such weather 
as we have in Indiana in the month of Mav. A farmer is 
plowing near camp. , 

Tuesday, January 26, — All orders in reference to cross- 
ing the river were countermanded, and again our Generals 
are purposeless. Time has proven the consummate folly of 
our retreat from Dandridge. Longstreet never left his win- 
ter quarters on the railroad above there. Whether, then, 
our retreat was caused by fright, or a desire to " draw- out " 
the enemy, it was a failure. I am very certain that it did 
not pay to throw awa}^ tents, tarpaulins and baggage ; 
'destroy rations and forage ; boots, shoes and saddles ; burn 
pork and caissons ; march the men almost to death and get 
some captured ; tear up the fine bridge over the Holston at 
the Plains ; permit the capture of four hundred beef cattle 
and a small wagon train ; fill the land with panic ; shake the 
confidence of the communitv in our abilitv to hold E)ast 



lUI; ("HAl'LATX HKJHT'S HISTOTJY OF THE 

Tennessee ; \'ielcl to the enem}- the most fertile portion of 
this valley filled with rations and forage ; and above all incur 
the disgrace of running when there is none to pursue. T 
want no more of this Potomac strategy. 

Thursday, January 28. — In compan}'- with Dr. Holtz- 
man, I visited Loudon. We crossed in an old craft, which 
was by no means safe. The town never was a fine village. 
Now it is almost in ruins. Rut few of the inhabitants 
remain. Generals Granger and Sheridan have their head- 
quarters here. We went up on a high hill north of town. 
Loudon, like all the towns in East Tennessee, is in a hollow. 
There are man^■ tine hills about the place, making it a good 
militarv position. 

In the afternoon the Brigade changed camp. We went 
about half a mile farther up the river. The men began 
immediately to erect winter quarters. 

The followinp; veterans started home this eveninp- : 

Company D — William Davis. 

Company I — John Muhr, John Xoc. Samuel E. 131air, Isaiah Dearing, 
Hugh Shaw. 

Company C — Henry C. Hill, Jonas Rohinson, Ezekiel S. Hadlock, Ahra- 
ham Cole, Charles K. Eullerton, William H. llickrod, James T. McRey- 
nolds, Albert Shrieves, John Simpson. 

Company H — ^^[ames A. Smith, Cieorgc A. \'icrling. 

Company F — James O. Jones. 

Company K — James B. Gra^-, Thomas W. Gritlith. 

Company (i — \\Mlliam F. Thomas. John B. Mitchell, Henderson Shoafi'. 

Company 15 — Robeit Lucas, Simon F. Utley. 

Tliis makes thirtv-six, in all, who have gone. Tiie 57th 
Indiana went as a Regiment. 

Having had all night to studv over a proposition sent ])y 
Colonel Buell, on the authoriU' of General Thomas, the 58th 
was called into line at nine o'clock, Friday morning, Janu- 
ary 29, to decide whether they would re-enlist as a Regi- 
ment in tlie veteran service. Tiie proposition was that tlie 
Regiment should be mustered as engineers and mechanics. 
Major Downey made a speech to the Regiment, explaining 
the proposition, after which a vote was taken. At first a 
do/en was lacking to complete the riH|uired number — three- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEfUMEXT. 249 

fourths — to take the Regiment as an organization. But soon 
thev came in, and it is announced that the 58th Indiana 
would re-enHst. There was much excitement and hilarit}- 
over this event. 

Late in the afternoon orders came for our Regiment to go 
over the river, draw rations and prepare to march to Chatta- 
nooga in the morning. 

Well, we got started on our return to Cliattanooga about , 
the middle of the forenoon, January 30. We were accom- 
panied bv the 51st Indiana, of our Brigade, who have also 
re-enlisted. The 40th Indiana and 15th Indiana are to come 
on later. It was raining when we started, but the boys were 
turning homeward and did not mind the rain. 

Passing through Philadelphia, we turned up Sweetwater 
Valley, then on through Athens, camping th'^ second day 
near Riceville. The men were very tired when they arrived 
here, as they had made a Sabbath dav's march of twent}?^ 
miles. Monday night we came to a point in the vicinity of 
Cleveland and rested for the nio-ht. Another day's march 
broup-ht us near the scene of our old battles. On Wednes- 
day, February 3d, we reached the top of Missionary Ridge, 
and Chattanooga Valley was opened out before us. It was 
a grand sight. There was old Lookout Mountain, Walden's 
Ridfje foi'minpf the backo-round, with Orchard Knob, Fort 
Wood, Fort Palmer, and many other familiar objects in the 
foreground of the magnificent picture. And here we are in 
our old quarters, which we left last November to go on a ter- 
rible cold winter's campaign. Here we found the veterans 
of our Regiment who had preceded us on their wa^' home- 
ward. Here, also, we found some of our comrades who 
had been in hospitals, on account of wounds received at 
Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. So we had a kind of 
Regimental reunion, and it was a very pleasant experience, 
alter so many months of separation and hardship. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



Chattanooga and Vicinity — Wondenful Changes that 
HAVE Taken Place and are in Progress — A 
Stron(; Military Post — Preparations for An- 
other Campaign — National Cemetery — A \^isit 
TO Lookout Mountain — Relics of the Recent 
Battle — The Re-enlistment Question Settled — 
The Regiment Finally Gets Started Homeward 
— Incidents of the Journey. 



WHILE the Regiment is waiting here I will improve the 
time by making some visits about Chattanooga, and 
taking note of such things as seem to be ot' interest, noting 
especiall}', the changes that have taken place since our army 
came into complete possession of the place, and since our 
hurried departure for Knoxville three months ago. 

One of the first places visited, ver}^ naturallv, was the post- 
office. Here I marked a decided change for the better. 
Stamps are sold, and, I believe, letters are mailed. The 
mail comes and goes every day. 

Going down to the wharf, I observed that it was not so 
crowded as during the siege. The artery to the heart of 
Chattanooga does not run across the river as formerly. No 
long lines of sluggish mule teams are seen wending their 
way over the pontoon. Tiie brisk locomotive sweeps around 
the face of old Lookout, bearing all that the army needs. 
But other scenes no less important are enacted at the wharf. 
A little steamer was upon the ways. Thus Uncle Sam is 
introducing industry and commerce into these parts. But 
look I What are those pens of wood being constructed in the 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDLOA KEGIMENT. 251 

river for? They are the piers for a bridge. Chattanooga, 
in all her years of peace and prosperity, never could boast 
of this. Thanks to the Yankees ; they are doing some good 
in this country ; even the vile rebels must admit that. 

Passino; to the other end of Main street we come to the 
railroad station. Here is an express office, doing an immense 
business, greatly to the accommodation of the armies and their 
own protit. The freight depot is full of rations. The mag- 
niticent passenger depot, unsurpassed b}' any I have seen in 
the United States, and whose tin roof had been torn off by 
the rebels to make canteens, is now being tilled. Other 
houses in the neighborhood are also being tilled. Great 
preparations are making for the coming campaign. Exten- 
sive sheds for horses were pointed out, and I saw a large lot 
of mules. 

In the church vard, near the depot, the dead soldiers were 
being removed to the new cemetery near Fort Palmer. The 
stench created was very offensive. Having no desire for 
such sights, I did not draw near. It is verv praiseworthy 
in the authorities, that they are collecting the remains ot our 
worthy dead, and giving them honorable graves. 

Thus far, I had never seen a colored soldier. This after- 
noon my eves were gratified by the sight of four companies 
of the 14th United States Colored Infantry. They are new 
troops. They are fast becoming proficient in drill and I am 
convinced they will make good soldiers. Thev will be 
more willing to submit to discipline than white men. They 
will take a great pride in military matters. Having been 
accustomed to scant food and clothing and severe field toils, 
they can better "endure hardness, as become good soldiers," 
than many ^^oung men of my own race, who have been 
reared in luxurv. As for courage it is a mere thing of cul- 
ture. We are all natural cowards. We must learn to be 
brave. The negro can learn as well as any one, this lesson. 
The fields on which his valor has been tried, during this war, 
are proof suflicient of his bravery. There are other fields 
where his heroism is vet to be seen, and where the persecut- 



■J.')!' CHAPI.AIX HKiHT'S HISTOHY OF THE 

iiiii" iiii(l dominant race will be convinced that he is worthy 
oftreedom. Worthy of freedom — aye, possibly, men may 
begin to inquire in that day. Are nt^t these colored soldiers 
better qualitied for citizenship, than those trifling white men 
who have opposed the war and embarassed the Government? 
Are not these colored men more entitled to vote under a con- 
stitution, and in a Union which their valor sustained, than 
the secret or open traitors with while skins? Let me write it 
down here, to-dav, that the time will soon be here, w^hen all 
men will be equal in rights, without distinction of color. 
Men may sav what the}' please, but "the v.orld moves," as 
said Gallileo of old. 

The fortitications have been changed in many respects, to 
suit, as I suppose, the idea of some new engineer. The 
shovel is still busy, and scarp and counter-scarp, and para- 
pet, and all these things, are slowly approaching perfection. 
These Yankee rats must intend to remain here, from the wa}' 
the}' burrow into the earth. 

The Christian Commission should have been named imme- 
diately after the post office. A little meeting was in progress 
when we called. I was called on and spoke a few words. 
After meeting I had a few moments of pleasant conversation. 
The shelves were w-ell filled with good reading matter. 
Long may the Christian Commission flourish. 

This being Sunday I attended the 10:30 services at the 
Baptist Church. Chaplain \^an Home preached. lie is 
tall and slender, has a black beard, intermingled witli a little 
gray. He shaves his upper lip. He dresses very neatly in 
plain Chaplain's uniform, which is far more appropriate for 
a clergyman than blue and brass. He wears a pleasant 
smile while speaking. His sermon was very good. At two 
)•). m. I preached to a small congregation in the open air. I 
then attended the three o'clock services at the church. 
Chajilain Ross, of the 13th Ohio, K'd the serxices. He is a 
plain and solid man. He belongs to the United Presby- 
terian Church. In the beginning he gave, out a Psalm for 
the congregation to sing. In view of the \eterans going 



j^IFTY-EIGHTH INDIAXA EEGIMEXT. 253 

home he announced as his text, "Go Home to th}^ Friends 
and Tell Them how Great Thinsfs the Lord hath Done for 
thee." Mark v:iq. 

Amongst the spots which will be visited by pilgrims at 
Chattanooga, with deep emotion, the National Cemetery wlli 
be hrst sought. I remember well the hill when occupied by 
our own and the enemy's pickets. The farther side was a 
deep wood then. The side next the railroad had been 
cleared awav. It was here that Wagner's Brigade was 
formed on Monday, November 23, 1863, preparatory to the 
tirst advance on Missionary Ridge. Here the first gun was 
fired, on Monday afternoon. On this hill, and in its rear, 
was the finest pageant I ever witnessed. Before this, it was 
often under the thunder of our own and the enemy's guns. 
The iiill is about half way between Chattanooga and Mis- 
sionary Ridge, and between Lookout Mountain and Tunnel 
Hill. Seventy acres have been set apart. The grounds are 
being surrounded by a rough stone wall. The material tor 
this is abundant on the ground. This wall is to be protected 
by an osage orange hedge on either side. A small portion 
of the stone fence is done. There are some hedges near, 
which it is designed to transplant. The fence runs circu- 
larly, or rather irregularly. Just inside of it a main avenue 
is in process of construction. This is to pass entirely around, 
next the wall, except on the side next P'ort Wood. Here it 
is turned away iVom the fence by a large ledge of rock. 
The portion of the grounds thus cut oft' is set apart for the 
negro soldiers. Two of them lay there this afternoon in 
their coflins, the first fruits of a might}" host of colored war- 
riors who will be buried here. They were from the 14th U. 
S. Colored Infantry. 

There are to be main avenues leading up towards the 
crown of the hill. A circle including about one acre is 
reserved on top for some kind of a monument. Chaplain 
\'an Home, who is in charge of the work, proposes a pyra- 
mid, eighty feet square at the base, and eighty feet high. I 
am not impressed witli the propriety of such a monument. 



'2ol CHArLAlX HIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE 

I see no need ot beincj in a liurr\' about monuments. Years 
hence the people will seek opportunities to erect monuments 
to the noble men who have died in these parts. 

Besides those engaged in breaking stone and making the 
fences, there were two squads of grav^e diggers and one of 
stump removers. The stumps are being torn up and hauled 
away from the grounds. One set of grave diggers were 
burying the dead which are known, and tlie other the 
unknown. All the dead which have been buried within the 
lines since, our occupancy of Chattanooga, are to be removed 
to this cemetery. Also the dead who fell in the severe bat- 
tles in this neighborhood are all to be removed to these 
grounds. 

It will take all of the present summer to put things in any- 
thing like shape. I am glad to see a disposition on the part 
of the authorities to provide a decent resting place for our 
gallant dead. Rcquicscat ui face. 

Tuesday, February 9. — This day the uncertaintv hang- 
ing over our going home has passed away. General George 
II. Thomas writes a letter to Colonel George P. Buell that 
he designs to place the 58th in the engineers department, - 
when it returns as a veteran volunteer Regiment. 

Wednesday, February 10. — Doctor Holtzman having 
obtained a pass from the I^rovost Marshal General, we 
started early on horseback to visit Lookout Mountain. We 
passed over Chattanooga Creek, at the same point that we 
crossed wiien we first entered last September. A new bridge 
had been erected since then. We passed over, showing oin* 
pass, and stood on what was rebel territory during the siege. 
We soon came to the rebel works, whicli are interior in every 
respect to those they confront. When we came to Lookout 
we went up the wagon road, on the eastern side. The whole 
of the lower parts of the mountain has the appearance of 
having fallen from'the rocky bights above. The stones, 
both large and small, were evidently torn from the rocky 
palisades which form the mountain summit. The road 
passes a mile or two back bejbre it reaches the lop. It is 



FIFTY-EIGHTH IXDIAXA IJEGIMENT. 255 

exceedingly difficult to get to the top of the mountain. At 
several points there are ladders. On the western slope there 
are not so many rocks. There were guards near the top, 
but they did not halt us. On top of the mountain we found 
a number of nice houses, called Summertown. This was a 
famous resort of the chivalry in the olden time. Troops 
were encamped on the mountain. Here is a splendid place 
for a general field hospital, or convalescent camp. I regret 
that we did not have time to go back southward on the 
mountain. After arriving at the top, we passed along the 
eastern edge, going northward. At several points we made 
lengthy pauses, and "viewed the landscape o'er." There 
was, standing just upon the verge of the precipice, an old 
warehouse, which I remember to have seen from Gordon's 
Mill, seventeen miles awa}^ just before the battle of Chicka- 
mauga. We could see the fields of Chickamauga, Mission- 
ary Ridge and Tunnel Hill. But the day was too gloomy 
to permit us to see distinctly at any great distance. Chatta- 
nooga looked contemptible at our feet, ■ I held m}' hand at 
full arm's length and hid all tlie Yankee forts, camps and 
' field works, as they were during the siege. The cars seemed 
to travel almost at a snail's pace. If the works of man thus 
look to the eyes of a mortal from a mountain top, how insig- 
nificant must they appear to Him, who stands in the highest 
heavens, and beholdeth all things at a glance ! Man build- 
ing his famous works is as the mouse burrowing in the 
earth. 

We came to the spot where the rebels had planted a three- 
gun siege battery, bearing on Chattanooga. I call distinctly 
to mind the time when we used to see the smoke of the 
explosion, and then hear the sullen report, as Lookout hurled 
her iron words at us from this point. Farther on, we came 
to Point Lookout. There are several ledges of rock pro- 
jecting from the point of the mountain. The soil is gone. 
Here a magnificent panorama rises on onfe's sight. Turning 
towards Chattanooga, we see ourselves as others saw us. 
On this point the rebels looked down from day to day on the 



iT)!) CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE 

hateful Yankees. They could see the hurry on the streets, 
the congregation gathering at the church, the working par- 
ties digging on the forts, the drill and dress parade. Cam- 
eron Hill, Moccasin Pointy Forts Wood, Negley, and all the 
rest, could be seen from day to day. When these were com- 
pared with the long lines of rebel works across Chattanooga 
Valle}^ Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and A^allev, 
and Sand Mountains, all of which the rebels at one time 
held, an earnest traitor could but think that the "Yanks" 
were trapped at last. But the lion arose irom his lair, and 
bade his tormentors away. 

But let us pass from the past to the present. That long 
Ridge on our right was named Missionary, because in early 
times it was the home of the missionaries to the Indians. 
Orchard Knob, a little hill that rises between the Ridge and 
Chattanooga, is so called because it presented to tlie occu- 
pants of Chattanooga, at the time of the siege, the appear- 
ance of an orchard. Nearer to us, on another hill, is the 
new National Cemetery. Over the way from tlie cemetery 
is Fort Palmer, named in honor of General Palmer, whose 
Division occupied these works. We could see our own lit- 
tle camp on Signal Hill, so named because it was occupied 
formerly by a signal station. Cameron Hill receives its 
name from an English artist who dwelt on it before the war. 
Rev. Mr. Smith, of tlie Christian Commission, tells me that 
he was in Nashville at the time of the siege, and spoke in a 
public meeting about having been on Cameron Hill, at Chat- 
tanooga, a few days before. After the meeting he was 
accosted b}' a gentleman and lady, who proved to be Mr. 
and Mrs. Cameron. 

"Can you tell me, Mr. Smith," inquired the huh', "about- 
those trees of mine? What has become of them. ^"" 

"What trees? Do you mean those magnificent forest 
trees? Well, they were all felled by order of the engin- 
eers, to make way. for the works." 

"I am glad," said Mrs. Cameron, "lliat neither the ax of 
(he relii'l oi" \hc vandal ha^ laid them low I " 



J'IFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 257 

Moccasin Point is made by the bend of the river. It 
resembles a moccasin in shape, and at certain seasons of the 
year presents some of the variegated colors with which the 
Indians are accustomed to adorn their moccasins. Walden's 
Ridfje, which forms the northwestern ijatewav to these 
regions, rises before our eyes like a huge wall of stone — 
and such it is in fact. Away to the northwest there is a 
gorge in the mountains, through which the Tennessee makes 
its exit. On this side is the Sand Mountain, so named from 
the sand stone, I suppose. It abounds in Lookout, and I 
suppose does there. The rock in Lookout is a beautiful, 
milk-colored sand stone, occasionally variegated with brown 
and red. It makes a tine finish for a road paved with lime- 
stone. It tills the rugged crevices in a short time, and looks 
like a nice white carpet. Colonel Buell, with his Pioneer 
Brigade, has made a thirtv-foot road around the nose of the 
mountain, part of which has this tinish. Nearer than Sand 
Mountain is Lookout Vallev, immediately to our left, and a 
range of hills farther on along the river side. On these hills 
the brave men of Hazen's Brigade landed, after floating by 
Lookout, surprised and captured the rebel pickets, and laid 
a bridge over the Tennessee. Just there, where the railroad 
passes between two hills, is a part of the battle ground ot 
Wauhatchie. The roar of this battle was distinctly heard b}' 
us at Chattanooga, one night in last November. Up this val- 
ley can be seen the very hill and the woods occupied by our 
Division, on the Sunday before entering Chattanooga. And 
these are the very rocks on which the women and children 
of Summertown stood, on that lovely afternoon, looking at 
the Yankees. 

Every spot near is fraught with interest, and the distance 
is filled with grandeur. It is said that from this point one 
can see Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Car- 
olina, Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Alabama. 

We found a rugged pathway lor our horses down the 
western slope. When we reached Hooker's battletield, of 
November 24, we turned our horses to the left. Here were 



2:)}{ CHAPLAIX MIGHT'S HTSTOEY OF THE 

the old rebel camps and the rough stone walls thrown up b\' 
them. At the turning point of the mountain is a little grave- 
yard, where a number of our brave men are buried. No- 
vember 26, is the honorable date of their deaths. A 
little farther on we met Major General Hooker, whom I had 
never seen before. He is a tine looking man. Here are 
the ruins of the white house which we used to see from 
Chattanooga. I took a drink from the hydrant and called 
to mind the column of men, led by a man on a grey 
horse, in the battle of Lookout Mountain. It was here 
that Hooker "fought above the clouds." From Lookout 
Point it seems almost on the same level as the country 
around. 

We rode down the mountain and arrived at home before 
supper time. I was verv tired. There are other items of 
interest about Lookout which I would like to see. 

Near the headquarters of General Thomas there is a large 
brown bear, in a cage. It was at Knoxville when we were 
there. It is large and well trained. At the command of 
his keeper he showed how he killed men, how he rolled 
down the mountain, how he lay doW'U to take his rest, etc. 
He came from the Rocky Mountains. 

I walked by some of the guns captured at Missionary 
Ridge, near the headquarters. There are forty-nine pieces. 
In the front row there are twenty-seven guns. Of these, 
about four or live are of Union brand. These are twelve 
pound Howitzers, captured from us b}- the rebels, and recap- 
tured at Mission Ridge. The remainder were rebel make. 
They were from New Orleans, Mobile, Atlanta and Macon. 
The workmanship of the carriages is very rough. There 
are two large, roughly finished, rifle iron guns, wiiich were 
captured at Chickamauga Station. 

In the afternoon of Sunday, February 14th, two hundred 
of the 58th Indiana were mustered in for three years, to date 
from Januarv 24th, at Loudon, Tennessee. We have a 
number of recruits who desired to re-enlist, but were not per- 
mitted. As their names were called the men answered 



FIT^TV-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 2y.) 

"here," stepped two paces to the iVont, moved off to the 
right and formed in single line. Bringing their arms to a 
"support," thev took, a company at a time, this oath : 

'"All and each of \ou do j^olemnlv swear that \ on will hear true allegiance 
to the United States oi" America, and that ^-ou will serve theni honesth' and 
faithfully against all their enemies or opposers, whatsoever, and observe and 
obev the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the 
ofHcers appointed over yon, according to the Rules and Articles for the gov- 
ernment of the armies of the United States, so help you God." 

Were I an artist, I wound jiaint "The \^eterans Taking 
the Oath/' 

At night, to almost the entire Regiment, I preached. The 
text is, "Go Home to th}' Friends, and Tell Them how 
Great Things the Lord Hath Done for Thee." Mark 5 :ig. 
Introduction: The circumstances connected with the text ; 
the text chosen hecause appropriate to the veterans. 

I. The great things done for you by the Lord. 

1. T//C I /lings done yor you in common zvitJi all nicn. 
(a) The earth created for you. (a) Man made moral and 
intellectual. (c) Man given dominion over the earth, the 
beasts, birds and fishes. (d) The gift of the Son ; (e) the 
Holy Ghost ; (f) the Church ; (g) the Bible, and the (h) , 
means of grace. 

2. T/ie thi)igs done for you in common -with all soldiers 
present. (a) Your life has been preserved amid contagious 
and camp diseases, in dangers by march and battle. The 
battles of Stone River, Chickamauo'a and Mission Ridn'e 
commented on. (b) A deeper interest has been awakened 
in your physical well-being than in any other army. (c) A 
deeper interest is felt in your spiritual welfare than ever was 
manifested in behalf of any other army. 

3. T/ie special favors s/io-wn. (a) Some have been con- 
victed of sin. (b) Some have become better men without 
being converted. The army is not as demoralizing as is 
generally supposed. (c) Many of you have been converted, 
joined the church, and received holy baptism. (d) Many 
of you who were professors when you entered the army have 
been enabled to maintain your integrity. 



260 CHAPLAIX RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

A. The great things done inid being done in prospect. 
(a) The destruction of sectionalism ; (b) sectarianism, and 
(c) slavery ; the six pounder iron gun, (d) Our nation is 
being qualitied to spread liberty and religion amongst the 
people of the world. 

II. Telling the great things done for you at 
HOME. (i) That they may be stirred up in behalf of the 
Christian Commission, and (2) the Chaplains. (3) Speak 
of your conduct. (4) During your veteran term maintain 
your integrity. 

Sergeant A. M. Bryant delivered an exiiortation after the 
sermon. 

Monday, February 15. — There has been a clap of thun- 
der from the clear sky I When Major Downey reported at 
the proper office for transportation for his two hundred men, 
as the Veteran 58th Indiana Volunteers, he was informed 
that he did not have men enough to maintain the Regimental 
organization ! We lacked sixty men I We have been run- 
ning along blindh'. We did not know what number we had 
to have three-fourths ol^ We presumed it was of those pres- 
ent and eligible to go. But now, after the men are sworn 
in, it turns out that we must have three-fourths of all present 
or absent, except prisoners of war or absent sick. The men 
who are now sworn in understood that they were going as a 
Regiment. Most of them are unwilling to go any other 
way. Besides this. General Thomas has promised to put the 
Regiment into the engineers' department, when tiic}^ return 
from home as a veteran Regiment. But this promise can 
not be of any advantage to our two hundred veterans, if the 
Regiment does not remain organized. Tiius our men are 
badly deceived, if we are not permitted to go North. Great 
figuring is going on at Regimental headquarters. The num- 
bers are being placed this way and that, to see if we have 
not three-fourths. Oiu" commanders liave received the 
answer to the sum, but they are not competent to work it 
out. They seem disposed to " force " the figures a little. I 
do not mean that the}^ are disposed to do any wrong, but a 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 26 1 

refreshing has come upon the minds of some. Perhaps 
amongst hands a sufficient number may be " recollected," 
who were incorrectly reported, to make all right. I under- 
stand that some of the captin-ed have been reported as absent 
bv authority. By changing this and some other items, all 
mav vet come right. Commissioned faces are long to-night, 
and non-commissioned are filled with sad misgivings. 

Wednesday, February 17. — The great agony about 
retaining the Regimental organization passed away. 
Colonel Buell this morning obtained a promise that we 
should go. 

Thursday, February 18. — When I was at the river bank 
this morning I noticed a new, portable, circular saw mill. 
They were putting it up to work for the United States. But 
far more interesting than this was a little side-wheel steamer 
now used in transporting stone down the river to fill the 
wooden piers of the new bridge. It can not be more thdn 
forty-five feet long and twent3'-eight teet wide. It is a curi- 
osity. 

We hear rumors of heavy rebel forces at Sevierville. If 
this be trvie, there will be warm work in these parts. Rvimor 
says that we are being detained here on this account. 

Friday, February 19. — While thinking on the text: 
"Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free 
course and be glorified," it occurred to me to make it and 
the additional words, "even as it is with you ; and that we 
may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men ; for 
all men have not faith," the foundation of a discourse at 
home. The people there need stirring up, that they may 
better appreciate the wants of the army. Oh ! that every 
Regiment had a Chaplain, and all these Chaplains were 
delivered from "unreasonable and wicked men," that the 
word of the Lord might be glorified in the salvation of man\' 
soldiers. If 1 go home, may God make me instrumental in 
making many to see the wants of the army. 

In my wanderings one afternoon I came to a shop, which 
proved to be the 4th Corps wagon shop. Here was a great 



^62 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THP. 

multitude ot' our broken down ambulances and wagons. 
A detail of soldiers were repairing them. Worn out 
timbers and irons are replaced by new, and then the 
entire work is repainted. Some of these wagons are 
better than new. The men who do this work obtain no 
extra wages. 

Tuesday, February 23. — Afcer dinner T started on a 
walk with Dr. Iloltzman. Seeing a crowd of men collected 
at the place where our Missionary Ridge dead were buried, 
we went there. It turned out that a company' of men were 
taking up William Riley Blythe, of Company A, for the 
purpose of sending him home. Mr. Logan McCrary, of 
Fort Branch, had come out tor him. They were just closing 
down the metalic coffin, as we came up. I did not see the 
corpse, but understand that it presented a horrible sight. In 
view of human decay, I often call to mind the expression of 
Scripture, "this yile body." What is more disgusting than 
a rotten human body? And yet this is what we must all 
come to. Should we not strive to live so that "this vile 
body may be changed like unto His glorious body, accord- 
ing to the working, whereby He is able to subdue all things 
unto Himself." 

We passed on next to Fort Wood. There were some 
camps which were neat and clean. I hope the day may 
come when we will have tents and a camp. Our last was at 
Hillsboro, Tennessee, last summer. A glance at the outside 
of Fort Wood showed that there had been quite an improve- 
ment since the last battle. 

As we stepped upon the drawbridge we were halted by 
the sentinel, who called, in most approved style, for "Cor- 
poral of the guard." The Corporal needed no calling, for 
he was standing by the guard. But this is military. The 
Corporal stepped sprightly forward, saluted us, and informed 
us that if we were commissioned oflicers we might walk in, 
which we did. The inside of the fort is but little changed. 
A magazine is being constructed. The same six large guns 
are there. 



FIFTY-EKfHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 2(53 

From here we continue our walk to Fort Negley. This 
was the first time I had been in this fort since the morning- 
after we entered Chattanooga. It was September lo, 1863, 
as we were going out after Bragg, that I went into this rebel 
work, then called Star Fort. 

In reading, in the March number of the Continental , an 
article tVom Mr. Staunton on "The Treasury Report, and 
Mr. Secretary Chase," I was impressed with another glori- 
ous result of this war, a National currency. The Govern- 
ment issues, and the National banks have all the advantages 
and none of the disadvantages of the old National bank. 
The miserable flood of " shin plasters," for such we may 
call the bills of the innumerable banks formerly in circula- 
tion, will be stopped. The new National bank is a savings 
bank for the people. And after all that is said about patri- 
otism, there will be nothing more binding than the five- 
twenty bonds. We have long needed more nationality. I 
am a lover of liberty, but not of State or local license. We 
need a strong National Government. We can have this and 
more freedom than we have ever had. I will prove this so 
that the reader must admit it. We can have such a Govern- 
ment, and make four millions of slaves free. Will not this 
increase freedom ? We can have this kind of a Government, 
and remove all those laws and lawlessness that has restrained 
a free press in the South, and often in the North. Will not 
this increase freedom? We can have a strong National 
Government, and dispense with that interference with free 
speech, which has prevailed alarmingly throughout the land. 
Will not this increase freedom? We can have a strong cen- 
tral power, and yet make it no crime to teach a negro, or for 
one to be taught. Will not this increase freedom? And so 
one might go on at great and truthful length. But time does 
not permit. 

Friday, Fb:bruary 26. — Every man and officer going to 
Main street to-day is arrested. For a long time no passes 
have been required. General Steadman, having lately been 
placed in command of the post, has determined to show all 



l'(U CHAPLAIN HICtHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

mankind that "/am running this machine."' These fooHsli 
orders prevail, occasionally, but only for a few da\'s at a 
time. 

About nine p. m., Saturday, February 27, it became a set- 
tled tact that we were to start home to-night. Transporta- 
tion was obtained for two hundred and eighty men and four 
horses. In reference to each horse, a certificate had to be 
made that it had been purchased at a distance from the seat 
of war, had neyer been the property of the United States, 
and was actually owned by the possessor. Most of the 
horses with the Regiment had been " picked up" — I use a 
mild expression — and could not be taken North. Many of 
our officers in the army are too stingy to buy horses. 

We lelt our camp equipage and mess chests behind. I 
rode my horse to the depot and carried m\ chair in my 
hand. 

Our embarkation was poorly managed. Some of the 
men, and all of the baggage and horses, were placed on the 
wrong train. Officers and men were crowded in one pro- 
miscuous mass. Some of the cars were overflowing, and 
others almost empty. I seated myself in my chair in a car 
principally occupied by Company F and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Moore, Captain Tousey, Lieutenants Mason, Behm and 
Torrence and Doctor Holtzman. Unlike an omnilnis. there 
was no " room for just one more." 

It was a great sleep we had tliis night ; T found neither 
ease nor ri\st. I fell asleep a number of times but a sudden 
jerk would bring me to consciousness. I tell a time or two 
on the men lying about m\- chair. 

We stopped before day. When it, was light we tbund 
ourselves at Stevenson, Alabama, switched ofl'. We lay 
here until about ten a. m. We then moved oft' at a slow 
rate, awaiting on tiie convenience of all passing trains, as we 
were behind time. 

All of Monday night we were on the road. It was rainy 
and cold, and as many of the men were on top of the cars 
there was much suflering. Bob Lemon, of Company I, a 



FIFTY-EIGHTH I^I)IA^A EEGIMEXT. 265 

gallant young boy, who was Orderly to General Wood, and 
the only one of his staff' or escort that remained with him at 
Chickamauga, performed a rare somnambulistic feat. He 
was missing when we reached Nasliville and it was supposed 
that he had been brushed off the train, and perhaps killed. 
But he came up on the next train. He reported that, having 
laid down to sleep, the lirst thing that he was conscious of, 
was standing in a stream of water up to his waist. It proved 
to be Duck river. He had risen in his sleep and jumped off 
the train, clearing the bridge, and plunging headlong in the 
river. He met with an exceedinglv cold reception. 

About daylight we reached Nashville and were quartered 
in a Baptist Church. Here we remained until two p. m., 
when we marched to the Louisville depot and took another 
train for that citv. We traveled all nisfht and until the 
middle of the following afternoon before we reached Louis- 
ville. The paymaster visited us the next day and the men 
were made happy. Much of the money, however, was 
spent foolishly, and much of the iaappiness was of a kind 
that is^^rovved by sorrow and remorse. 

Thursday, March 3, we crossed the Ohio River and once 
more the 58th Indiana was on Hoosier soil. Another all 
night by rail brought us to Indianapolis. At eleven o'clock 
of the 4th, the 58th Indiana and 57th Indiana were honored 
with a reception. We fell into line at the Market house. A 
big fat man, Blake by name, took charge of us, and marched 
us down to Little's hotel and then to the Soldiers' Home, 
where a good dinner was provided for the soldiers. The 
dinner was greath' enjo^■ed — not so the marching and parade. 
Then the big fat man in charge had the band pla^' us a tune. 

'T reckon," said he to Major Downey, "that you do not 
hear much good music out in the bush." 

The old man did not know how we were t(n-mented witli 
just such music as this. 

After this the Regiments were marched down Washing- 
ton street to the State House, where a num'jer of addresses 
were (jfiven. by Governor Morton and otiiers. 



2(H) CHAPLAIN HIGHTS HISTORY OF TlIK 

Next day, Saturday, March 5th, furloughs were made out 
and the most of the men departed for their homes. And so, 
for the next thirty days the 58th Regiment, as an organiza- 
tion, is obliterated. 

While I cannot follow the history of the Regiment during 
this time, I can say for myself that I visited my old friends 
in ditierent places and spent the time very pleasantly. I 
rode to Martinsville on my horse, preaching there on Sab- 
bath. Then I proceeded to Bloomington, mv old home ; 
remaining there among relatives until March i6th, when I 
went to Greencastle. The following week I went to Prince- 
ton, and spent several da3's among friends here and at Evans- 
ville. 

Sabbath, March 27th, I preached in Princeton, in the 
M. E. Church, on "Pilgrims' Life in the Armv." The 
congregation was large and attentive. In the afternoon of 
the same day I preached at Hight Chapel, and again in 
Princeton in the evening. 

Returning to Greencastle on Mondav, I spent a few days 
there, then went to Bloomington. The time of expiration 
ot our furlough was near at hand and I was busy making 
preparations to return to Indianapolis, where the Regiment 
was to re-assemble. 

Here ends the record of my first term of service in the 
army, and the beginning of the second. I am very thank- 
ful to Almighty God that my life and health have been pre- 
served. I return to the tield with a determination to be 
more devoted to my work. With my past experience I can 
certainly be more successful. May God bless our soldiers, 
give victor}^ to our armies and peace to the land. Amen. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



Indianapolis to Chattanooga — Furlough Endp:d — Re- 
turning TO THE Front — Louisville to Nashville 
BY Rail — ''Hoofing It" to Chattanooga — Inci- 
dents BY the Way — Familiar Camping Places Re- 
visited — Arrival at Chattanooga — Preparing 
for an Active Campaign — Drillinc; — Fatigue 
Duty— The Pontoon Service. 



ON the morning of April 7th, at nine o'clock, Dr. Iloltz- 
man and mvself turned the heads of our horses north, 
and Bloomington was lost to our view. I felt no special 
pangs on leaving home. I have a proper regard for my par- 
ents, brothers and sisters. But vears have fled since I flrst 
left home. I have become cosmopolitan. The attachments 
of early days have to some extent been severed, but not for- 
gotten. For near ten years I have been a wanderer on the 
face of the earth. I have traveled much in mv own land. 
I have been amongst the good and bad, the high and low. 
I have gazed upon many of the grand scenes of art and 
nature. I have been present in the din of battle. This 
varied experience has so wrought upon me that I have but 
few of those local feelings which manv have. I am not 
unmindful of relatives or friends, nor forgetful of the scenes 
and circumstances of other years. But I hurry on, hoping 
to meet the loved and lost in Heaven. 

I wish that I could return to the home work. It is exceed- 
ingly pleasant to go around amongst the people and enjo}- 
good meetings, and social intercourse with good people. 



268 CHAPLATX HIGHT'S HISTOHY OF THE 

But tlie wants of the soldiers call me in another direction. 
Something must be done to save the arm}- tVom demoraliza- 
tion. I am, therefore, content to remain a Chaplain. May 
God help me to be more efficient in the future than I have 
been in the past. 

We rode at a brisk walk, noticing some military positions. 
One, especially, attracted my notice. It was the range of 
hills composing the south bank of Bean Blossom Creek. 
This, from the road, seemed an excellent position to defend 
against an army advancing from the North. In case of a 
defeat, there are suitable positions all the way to Blooming- 
ton to check the enem3^ wdiile the trains are moving to the 
rear. But I trust these lands will never be used for this piu"- 
pose, but rather for grain and fruit. 

It was two p. m. when we reached Martinsville. We tar- 
ried an hour, to receive entertainment for man and beast, 
and then we resumed our ride. After passing out of 
the immediate vicinity of the town, we crossed a barren 
range of hills. But we soon came to the fertile bottom lands 
bordering on White River. We rode along until near sun- 
down before we began seeking lodging. We were not sat- 
isfied with most of the houses, and were rejected at two. I 
told the Doctor that I w as desirous of stopping with a man 
who w'as a Methodist and an Abolitionist. Just at dark, 
when we had gone near thirty miles, and were too weary to 
ride farther, w'e came to a nice farm lu)use by the roadside. 
We hallooed at the paterfamilias, who sat at the door, and 
were welcomed to a night's lodging. He proved to be an 
Abolitionist and a Methodist. His name is Alrich. Af'ter 
sup|")er, and a little conversation, we had prayers and retired 
to bed. Sleep was sweet, after the wxnuy day's ride. 

We settled our bills and took an early start from Farmer 
Aldrich's. Passing by a mile or two of loveW land, we 
came to the neat village of Waverly. I called a moment at 
Brother Whithed's. He w^as formerly Chaplain of the 27th 
Indiana, and expects to return soon to that Regiment. I 
used to h'-ar tluit he acted very disgracetullv in the army. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGDIENT. 209 

But the strong desire expressed by the officers and men, to 

have him return to the Regiment, shows that these tales 

were not true. It used to be common to lie about Chaplains, 

and is by no means rare now. But 

"Error wounded writhes in pain 
And dies amongst her worshipers."' 

A cold rain began to fall soon after we left Wayerly. We 
were yery chilly by the time we reached Indianapolis. This 
led us to reflect dolorously on our exposed condition as sol- 
diers. For a time we even enyied the comfortable farmers 
by the roadside. Our horses, haying never been far from 
home, acted very foolish as we entered the city. The}^ will 
see worse sights than any here, if they and their owners live. 

As soon as we had put our horses in the stable, we went 
out on Washington street to learn about our Regiment, for, 
as it was to meet in the city A^esterda}', we did not know but 
that we had come too late. We soon met one of the bo3^s, 
who informed us that the Regiment, or the most of it, was 
at Camp Carrington. We, therefore, took a room at the 
Little House, and made oursetves as comfortable as one can 
at an Indianapolis hotel. We soon met most of the ofiicers, 
who were generally stopping at the Oriental. It was a mis- 
erable concern, and indeed, not very reputable. The cit}^ 
has not a single good hotel. 

In the afternoon of the next day I walked with Dr. Holtz- 

man to the cemetery. Since my visit, some years ago, it has 

been enlarged and improved. We noticed the graves of 

James Whitcomb, Austin W. Norris, and other leading men 

of Indiana. M}^ attention was especially arrested by a very 

strange inscription : 

"ALICE. 

to clriou.s eyes, her age and ihrth 

axd station, are not given; 
Content to be unknown on earth. 

An angel known in Heaven." 

This is as beautiful as any epitaph I have met. It is retir- 
ing, modest, loveh' and pious, like her whose grave it marks. 
This is the resting place of Alice McDonald, daughter of 



270 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Judge McDonald. She was the cherished friend of my wife 
in their girlhood. Often they wandered to school together. 
Thev mutually enjo3'ed the blooming flowers and listened 
with rapture to the songs of the birds. They were sweet 
children, as I well remember, and when they approached 
womanhood they gave themselves to religion. Gifted, edu- 
cated and highly accomplished ; their adorations must have 
been peculiarly acceptable to their Maker. For a season 
thev separated, keeping love alive by a pleasant correspond- 
ence. But thev met again. Mary died at New Albany and 
Alice at Indianapolis. 

Like twin sisters they now walk hand in hand, amid the 
happy scenes of Heaven. Though the sunshine of earth 
fell softly upon their heads in childhood, and all nature was 
full of music and beauty to them — though teachers and pas- 
tors encouraged and praised them, and all who knew them 
gave them words of pleasantness and love — yet the happy 
hours of earth cannot compare with those of Heaven. Here, 
thev had been "children in the woods f ' the}' had hung their 
swings to the branches of the giant beech, they had gathered 
the acorns as they fell from the oak, and plucked the wild 
flowers which adorned the shaded aisles of the forest. But 
more enchanting scenery now surrounds them ; sweeter 
flowers exhale an aroma about them. Dear girls I we will 
not think of you as dead and in the silent tomb, but as living, 
with the angels, in the Paradise of God. Too pure and too 
good for the earth, the Good Shepherd has taken you to 
himself. Happy will those be who meet you in that 15etter 
Land. 

It is the Sabbath da}'. I would like to have services witli 
my Regiment. Ikit I am discouraged from attempting it 
because of the confusion of the camp. The hubbub kicked 
up by new recruits, is unlike anything we meet in the lield. 
They are verN- poor hearers and poorer heediM-s of the word. 
Time and "war's magniflcently stern array" will teach 
them sense. Somewhat like the evil genius of Brutus, I will 
say to them : "At Chattanooga, there I " 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 271 

All who desired, had an opportunity of attending services 
in the city. 

I went to Wesley Chapel, on the Circle, Rev. vS. T. Gil- 
lett, pastor. A brother from the Northwest Conference, 
now in session at Knightstown, preached. The sermon was 
good. At the close I went forward and spoke to the preach- 
ers, and went home with Brother Gillett. I enjoyed myself 
srreatlv until Sabbath Scliool time. I met sister Gillett and 
her daughter-in-law, formerh^ Miss Hettie Conner, an old 
friend. Brother Gillett's son, Omer, was present, now 
almost grown to manhood. Miss Kate Jaquess, one of my 
Evansville Sunday School children, was also present. 

At two p. m. I attended the Sabbath School at Wesley. 
The basement room was well filled and everything passed 
off pleasantly. They use an excellent little book of appro- 
priate lessons and hymns for opening and closing the school. 
The lessons are read, alternately, in verses by the superin- 
tendent and children. This work is published by the Meth- 
odist Book Concern. I delivered a short address to the 
children. It did me great good to be present once more in 
a Sabbath School. 

In the evening I attended services in the sarne church. 
Of late years a melodeon has been used here, improving the 
music but injuring the harmony of the church. It sounds 
good to me. But I am told it shocks the feelings of man}^ 
of our old fashioned people. A good looking stranger 
preached a poor sermon. I wish I could have preached. I 
felt like pleading the cause of the soldiers before the congre- 
gation. I could not have done worse than the brother in 
the pulpit, had I made an entire failure. 

Tuesday, April 12. — We leave the city to-day. We 
crowded the horses, baggage and guards in one car, and the 
Regiment in a freight train. It is disgraceful to the state of 
Indiana, and an insult to soldiers, to transport them like hogs. 
The Regiment left at eight p. m. I left at nine p. m., on the 
express. But I was no better off than those on the freight 
train. I literally "roosted" until reaching Seymour, I have 



272 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOBY OF THP: 

(lone many things in my time, but this was my first attempt 
at "roosting." It was a success, but very tiresome to tlic 
"rooster." 

A number of men on board were drunk. Wliat a shame 
that the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquor is not 
prohibited by law. 

In company with Lieutenant-Colonel Moore and Dr. 
Iloltzman, I reached Jeffersonville before day and in advance 
of the troops. We wandered along the streets until we 
reached a hotel. We went in and slept until day. We then 
found we were stopping at the American House. We took 
breakfast, paid our bills, and walked to the depot. We 
were just in time to meet the Regiment. They had been 
traveling all night and were very cold and tired. 

We immediatelv crossed the Ohio. On the Louisville 
side of the river we awaited long in a cold, raw wind. 
Finally, we were marched to the Soldiers' Home — a name 
given, I suppose, ironicallv. Here the non-commissioned 
ofilcers and men were left. The horses were taken to a Gov- 
ernment stable. The officers went to the Louisville Hotel, 
one of the linest houses I ever stopped at. 

The people of Louisville care nothing for the soldiers or 
anything thev possess, except their money. The onh' reason 
whv thev are more friendly now, than when we were th^re 
in the fall of 1862, is because the bo3's have some money 
now. There should be a good anti-slavery paper started 
here. The Louisville yourual is a vile sheet. 

Thursday, April 14. — We expected to leave Louisville 
at three p. m., but there was no room for us on the cars. 
The 23d Kentucky went. The 58th returned to their quar- 
ters and the ofliciM-s to the Louisville Hotel. 

Friday, Ai'kil 15. — The Regiment, under command 
of Captain Green McDonald, got on tiie Nashville train 
at eight a. m. But it was tiie 40th Indiana's time, and the 
58th got oft' again. 

At three p. m. we tried the cars again. This time it was 
a success. Our horses, after remaining twenty-four hours 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. I'T.J 

on the train, began their journey. The men and officers 
were furnished much better accommodations than on the 
Jefferson ville train. We moved Hveh^ along the track. I 
expected a slow move. But the train ran on good time all 
the afternoon and night. We were not supplied with water. 
I suffered a little from thirst. But not as I otten did during 
the famous retreat of General Buell. How much more com- 
fortable the present trip than thai. We then spent several 
weeks on the tiresome march. Now a single night suffices 
for the journey. We were then often hungr}^, and manv 
were utterlv prostrated by the hardships of the way. 

The larmers by the wayside seemed determined to go on 
with their work as if there was no war on hand. The peo- 
ple of Kentuck}^ are intensely pro-slavery. They love 
slavery better than the National Government. I am im- 
pressed that the judgment of God will yet overtake them. 
Slavery is a sin against man — against God. It is one of the 
most vile of all crimes. It is not only a sin itself, but hin- 
ders all virtue and breeds all vice. It opposes religion, 
education and virtue. It is the ifreat crime of America. 
We can not be successful until it is utterly overthrown. 
Many wrongs have been, and still are, heaped upon the 
negro race. We must change our course and repent before 
God, and make restitution, before we can hope for complete 
success. We must conquer ourselves before we can con- 
quer others. Of all the States, Kentucky seems the slowest 
to learn. 

Saturday, April i6. — We reached Nashville before day, 
but remained on the cars until light. The men were then 
placed in the Zollicoffer Barracks, This is, perhaps, the 
largest building in Nashville. It was commenced before 
the war, but not completed. It was designed as a hotel. 
The Government took possession of it, added some floors, 
stairs, etc., and turned it into barracks. It was formerh- 
used for the continement of rebel prisoners, but is now used 
for our own men. It will conveniently and comfortabh' 
accommodate a laro-e number of men — several thousand. I 



274. CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

learn that an Eastern company has purchased it, and intends 
refitting it for a hotel this present season. 

The horses were placed in a Government stable. The 
officers stopped at the Sewanee House. There is no better 
house than this in Nashville, and I assure the reader that it 
is not good enough for stray dogs to board at. The cooking 
is poor and the bill of fare light. Everything about the 
tavern stinks. The traveler experiences great relief- — when 
he leaves. The landlord contributes his share to this, by 
relieving his guests of three dollars a da}^ for tormenting 
them. 

A change has come over Nashville since we were camped 
here last. I remember the citv distinctlv when I first reached 
it. It was on a Sabbath day, in the spring of 1862. It was 
soon after the loyal army had taken possession. There was 
a great clattering of army wagons about the street. The 
citizens were very quiet and idle. They were standing 
about the streets as spectators. The military and the civil 
did not mix. They seemed to be strangers to each other. 
All the fences and out-buildings were intact. There were 
no fortifications. The ruins of the destroyed bridges were 
fresh. Everything wore the air of "waiting for something 
to turn up," save the Yankees, who wore blue and went 
bustling about town. 

I came again. It was from the South. The Federal army 
was on the retreat. A deep, unexpressed feeling pervaded 
the community. The loyal secretly feared evacuation, and 
the rebels fondly hoped for it. 

I came again. Bragg had been driven from Kentucky. 
The patriotic army again had faced the South. An air of 
destitution reigned around the city. But little could be pur- 
chased, and that only at extravagant prices. 

Since that time a great change lias come, as I stated above. 
The streets are full of people and wagons. Thousands of 
shops have been opened. A great many buildings have 
been erected, and many others are going up. These are 
generally built of ruin brick. They are put up hastily and 



FIFTY-EIGHTH IXDIAXA REGIMENT. 



rented at enormous prices. Though the fences in the 
suburbs, and many of the smaller buildings', are destro3^ed, 
yet an air of thrift prevails the community. A feverish state 
of speculation is abroad in the city. Everybody seems in a 
hurrv. Manv of the vile old rebels have sunk into insicrnifi- 
cance, and many of the young ones have been killed. 
Enterprising men, and not a few land sharks and Jews, have 
come in from the North. Nashville has become a live and 
growing city. May the chivahy never rule it again. Ma}' 
the cause of slavery be entirely removed. Under the cher- 
ishing influence of free 
labor Nashville will become 
a great and thrifty city. 

I attended services at the 
Second Presbyterian 
Church, Sabbath morning. 
The building had recently 
been refitted on the inside. 
The organ and choir made 
good music. The minister, 
I believe, is named Allen. 
He is a loyal man, formerly 
a resident of Shelbyville. 
He preached an able ser- 
mon. It was on secret 
• prayer. Such sermons can 
but be a blessing to those that hear. I went home, 
refreshed and strengthened. 

Some progress is being made toward reorganizing the 
church in Nashville. But the progress is slow. So wedded 




LIEUTENANT JAMES C. KNOX. 



* Was mustered in as First Lieutenant of Company D, November 2r)th, 
1861. Resigned June 17th, 1S62. Enlisted in the Fourth Indiana Cavah-\-, 
and was appointed First Lieutenant of Company L February 15th, 1863, and 
was promoted to Captain, March ist, 1S65. Since the war he has been 
engaged, principally, in the mercantile business, part of the time as travel- 
ing salesman. lie is now engaged in the hardware business at Ladoga, 
Indiana. He is in prosperous circumstances, and has a warm spot in his 
heart for his old comrades of the 5Sth Indiana, his first associates in the army 
service. 



i>7(; CHAPLAIX HIOHT'S HTSTOin" OF THE 

had the church become to slavery, that Christianity was 
much diluted. •In the reorganization, the old materials will 
mostly be laid aside, being unfit ibr the temple of the Lord. 
A young Methodist preacher, by the name of Cramer, a 
brother-in-law of General Grant, is retitting two of the Meth- 
odist Churches. The Nashville Methodists are great trait- 
ors. Unless some better stock is imported, there will not be 
salt enough to save the Methodist Church here. There are 
thousands of loyal Methodists in Tennessee, but they are 
principally in the eastern part of the State. A few loyal 
preachers are now collecting these stray sheep into the fold. 
At Cleveland, and other places, the good work goes on 
encouragingly. 

Monday, April i8. — We had orders to begin our march 
from Nashville at six a. m. But we could not comply, as 
all the preparations were to be made. Two horses were 
drawn and shod. One of them was a very nice sorrel, 
which fell to the lot of Qiiartermaster Raftan. The other 
was a very clumsy grey, which Adjutant Whiting was to 
ride. A wagon and six mules were drawn. Three days' 
rations were issued to the men. The wagon was loaded 
with three mess chests — two for the line, and one for the tield 
and staff — three new wall tents, drawn at Indianapolis, the 
officers' bedding, six axes, and as many hatchets, and three 
days' forage. We left Zollicoffer Barracks at twelve m. 

It is one hundred and fifty-one miles to Chattanooga. It 
is a shame to make the men walk tiiis distance along a rail- 
road. They have already walked eighty miles, from Lou- 
don to Chattanooga, that they might re-enlist. It is cruel to 
add one hundred and fifty-one miles more. It is true the 
trains are crowded wit^ army supplies. But all the men 
going to the front can be easily transported. There are so 
many trains each day, that, by putting only a few on each, 
all can easily be forwarded. It was ditlerent once, when 
great numbers of veterans were returning to the field. But 
the rush is now over. However, the 58th has traveled this 
road often, and can do so again. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RECJIMENT. 277 

We moved out on the Murfreesboro pike. I remember 
well the day we last marched over this road ; aye, and the 
first time, too. 

It was a hot September day, 1862. We had encamped 
the previous night on Stewart's Creek. By daAdight we 
were upon the pike, with leaning t'orms towards Nashville, 
It was about twenty-five miles to the city, but we had but 
half the day for the trip. The air was dry. Water was 
very scarce. No rest was given to the men. It was on, on ! 
The cedars were white with lime dust from the pike. The 
sun shone with an Auofust fierceness. But no time must be 
lost. We reached Nashville by one o'clock. We were 
with Buell's arm^'. There seemed to be neither begin- 
ning nor ending to the stream of soldiers pouring into 
Nashville. 

A change comes over the spirit of my dream. It is 
December 26, 1862, The army of Rosecrans begins to 
advance on Bragg at Murfreesboro. McCook, with the 20th 
Army Corps, is on the right ; Thomas, with the 14th, is in 
the center; and Crittenden, with the 21st, is on the lelt. 
The 58th is with Crittenden. We advance on the Murfrees- 
boro pike. Another Division is in front. The rain is fall- 
ing. The sound of cannon is heard in front, and far to the 
right. It was a day long to be remembered. 

There are not so many fences now as then, but there are 
more than some months since. A number have been built, 
and some have been larming without much fencing. 

It is spring to-day ; it was winter then ; everything is now 
more cheerful. The world then seemed to stand in sus- 
pense and listen. Now men seem to be looking forward. 
A few rebels are still sullen, still hoping for the coming of 
the Southern braves. But most of the people seem content 
with the new order of things. 

We passed the insane asylum, still looking quiet and 
beautiful. Here is the place where General Rosecrans 
passed us, smoking his cigar, December 26, 1863. "Every- 
thing ends in 'nigger' these days," said one. "No matter 



27» CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

how it begins, it ends in 'nigger.' " Rosccrans' staff' was 
dashing by, and he pointed to it lor a verification of his say- 
ing. The escort was long, and threatened to terminate with 
white men. But finally the end came. It was negroes. 
They dash by, giving unconscious verification to the saying 
of the wag. The fence that we sat on when laughing at 
this occurrence is gone. 

Early in the afternoon we went into camp, on a little 
grassy plot by the roadside. There was a frame church on 
the left hand of the pike. Our new horses were hitched up 
to the bushes. The wagon was unloaded. Being without 
servants, the officers did their own cooking. I am messing 
with the field and staff', plus Lieutenant J. G. Behm. Major 
Downey and Lieutenant Behm acted as cooks for the even- 
ing. Such hilarity I had not seen for some time. Men 
jumped about like boys. " Home again," was the expres- 
sion which fell from every one. We soon had supper, of 
baker's bread, ham and coffee. This was better than at the 
hotel Sewanee, for there they had neither. Night came on, 
and I lay down in the tent to sleep. I soon knew no more 
of this dav. 

Tuesday, April 19. — The morning was lovelv. We 
rose, breakfasted, and started at our leisure. We soon 
reached the spot where Lavergne once was. It was here, on 
the 27th day of December, 1862, that the blood of the 58th 
Indiana was first shed in battle. I remember the bivouac in 
the woods the preceding night, how we waited for the fog to 
rise next morning ; how the 26th Ohio charged on the left of 
the pike, and the 58th on the right, at twelve m. Here 
young Reavis, of Company B, was severely wounded, and 
afterwards discharged. William Witherspoon was injured 
on the head, which finally resulted in spasms. Several 
others were wounded. But the 58111 never quailed. 

The town is now destroved. There is a fort, and a garri- 
son of two Regiments. We stopped for dinner at Stewart's 
Creek. We camped before night, on the north bank of 
Stone River. The old battlefield is mostly under cultiva- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 27^ 

tion. A company has five or six hundred acres in cotton,. 
They hire their laborers at an average price of eight dollars 
per month and board. The negroes are industrious and con- 
tented. They like the system much better than slaver v. 
They are fed on plain, substantial diet. Many of the plant- 
ers in these parts are paying their laborers. Mr. Wallace, a 
rebel, is hiring his own former slaves. He savs he prefers 
it to the old plan. INIany of the Southerners declare that 
they never will pay the negroes. Some of them fondlv hope 
that the happy days of lordship over negroes will return. 
"We will get the power over the negroes again," they say. 
Vain delusion. Misfortune is sure to overtake all who resist 
the new order of things. Those planters who are employing 
hands and cultivatintj their lands will make lari>-e sums of 
money. Several hundred dollars' worth of cotton can be 
raised on an acre. 

I saw the place where the 58th stood at the battle of Stone 
River. The graves of our men are there. The little skirt 
of timber is still standing, the trees being covered with bul- 
let marks. A monument is being erected by Hazen's Brig- 
ade, to the memory of their comrades who fell in this battle 
and at Shiloh. It is of blue limestone — a very substantial 
material. 

Nearly all the men had purchased boots at home. These 
are made after the usual style of home — smaller than the 
feet. Consequenth', many had sore leet by this time. 
Hence, a number of army shoes were drawn at Murfrees- 
boro. These shoes are made large, with broad toes, and 
are excellent for marching. Whatever the United States 
does is generally well done. 

We drew three daj^s' rations arid forage at Murfreesboro. 
We then continued our march, on the Shelbyville pike. We 
soon entered what was to me a new region of countrv. We 
found a good pike, and a fine country. A number of farm- 
ers had come from the North, and were occupying some of 
the deserted plantations. We camped for the night at a lit- 
tle spring, about a mile from Fosterville. The 23d Ken- 



'2iU) CHAPLAIX HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

lucky was just ahead of us all dav. Thev went several 
miles farther than we did. 

Thursday, April 21. — We early resumed the march. 
T'he town of Fosterville is entirely destroyed. Instead of 
turning- to the left and traveling along the main railroad, we 
continued on the Shelby ville pike. This is the road trav- 
eled by all the troops marching through to Chattanooga. 

We had gone but a little way when I met two women 
dressed in black, sitting on their horses at the end of a lane. 
One of them told me thijit she was John Patterson's mother, 
and wished him to go home with her. John was along with 
the Regiment. He had enlisted, but had not been mustered. 
Major Downey sent him with his mother. He had been 
constantly sa3'ing that his mother was dead. He is the same 
boy who used to attend to mv horse. He went North with 
Captain Chappel last fall. 

In the afternoon we reached Shelbyville. The Regiment 
had been here once belbre, in the summer of 1862, when I 
was sick, in the Huntsvillc iiospital. This was once a lovelv 
town. It lies amongst the hills and cedars, near the bank of 
Duck River. But war has laid its glory low. The court 
house and many other buildings are entirely destroyed. 
This is the most loyal town in Middle Tennessee. 

We found the road exceedingly rough as we turned 
towards Tullahoma. We had no pike. We wound about 
amongst the hills. We met some cavalry. Among them 
was a part of the 3d Ohio, who used to be in our Division. 
They were moving to tiie rear — as was their usual habit 
when with us. They knew not what the}' were going to the 
rear for this time, however. 

We ascended to the table land, but the hill was less steep 
than on an\' of the roads north of here, which I have trav- 
eled. We entered upon the same barrens, which are every- 
where to be lound along the outer rim of these table lands. 
The forests are of scrubby oaks. We camped, after march- 
ing about fifteen miles, at a distance of three miles from 
Tullahoma. It took until about twelve m. to draw four 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEOLAIENT. 281 

days" rations and forage. We were then marched ten miles, 
by two canteens of whisky, to Elk River. We were there 
by 2 : 30 p. m. The men were marclied ver^' last, and 
hardly given any rest. Our commanders were hunting tor 
Estell Springs, but thev were not on this road. We 
encamped for the night in an orchard. Many of the officers 
and men scattered about the country, whither they pleased. 
The Regiment is greatly demoralized. It is almost impos- 
sible to accomplish any moral reformation amongst men 
without discipline. 

Sunday, April 24. — The morning is damp and cold. 
The Colonel designs marching no farther than Decherd — 
five miles. As our tents are pitched, the rain is falling, and 
it is Sabbath, I can see no necessity of marchinp; at all. 

We moved from the camp, under command of Major 
Downey. He did not know the road, and made no inquiries 
until he was far off the track. We blundered along through 
the woods until near noon, traveling about ten miles to reach 
Decherd. ^^\^ stopped nearly on the fame spot that our 
Regiment occupied in 1862. There has been a great change 
here since then. The hiah fence built by General Wood, to 
check the advance of rebel cavalr}-, has been burned. 
Indeed, most of the lencing in these parts has shared the 
same fate. Dead mules and horses may be seen by hun- 
dreds. No effort has been made to bury them. The stench 
is very oppressive in camp. Otherwise, our camp is very 
pleasant. We have a little shade and plenty of cold water. 
The leaves are putting out very fast. The weather has gen- 
erally been very pleasant since we left Nashville. We have 
had some showers, mostly at night. The grass is growing 
finely. Already we can turn our new horses loose about 
camp. They will graze without straying away. It is aston- 
ishing how soon a horse will learn to stay about camp. 
They will associate with men in the army as they do with 
horses at home. 

At two p. m. I preached to a large congregation. My 
subject was "Christian Joy.'" I took occasion to point out 



282 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

the imliappines.s of the ungodly. I can not believe that our 
meeting was altogether useless. Mav God bless the services 
ot' this afternoon. We labor amid the jeers of many. At 
Decherd we overtook the 23d Kentucky, the 44th Illinois, 
the 65th Ohio, and 57th Indiana. All these Regiments are 
here, keeping the holy Sabbath. The blessings of the Lord 
will abide upon these Regimental commanders, if they keep 
all the otiier commandments. 

Monday, April 25. — We drew two days' rations this 
morning. The men having not entirely recovered from sore 
feet, and not having urgent orders, the Colonel wisely con- 
cluded to rest to-day. This rest was very acceptable to me, 
though I am not so wearied as one who has carried his knap- 
sack, and walked. 

There are several sick men in the Regiment. George 
W. Anderson, of Company F, and James R. Fowler, of 
Compan}' K, are the worst oH'. x\ number of sorefooted 
men have been sent ofTon the cars. 

Tuesday, April 26. — I took the letters into town this 
morning. Qiiartermaster Raffan being sick, rode^in with 
me and remained. He is ver-\' ill. 

The Regiment began their march at the same time ; I soon 
overtook them. We now began to travel amongst the moun- 
tain scenery, which renders East Tennessee tamous. We 
came to Cowan, which seemed in a mountain cove. We 
soon began the ascent of the mountains. Tlie road was 
exceedingly rough, but the mountain is not as high as at 
Pelham or Altamont. 2\s we gain the summit the 
spires of Winchester, and all the valley, lav at our feet. 
We soon begin to descend. The road passes over 
the tunnel. Here on our left is a guard over an air 
hole in the tunnel. We pass a long train of baggage, 
belonging to the 19th Michigan. They have every kind 
of old trash. 

We stopped by a gushing mountain stream for dinner. 
Here in these wilds, where there is little else, are to be 
f)und the finest springs of cold water. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEOIMEXT. 283 

The march is resumed after an hour's rest. The roads 
are exceeding rugged. We passed up and down narrow 
mountain roads. We camped a mile in advance of Tan- 
talon, on Coe Creek. 

Next da}' we continued the march along the creek. 
There were some little farms in the valley and mountains on 
either side. The valley widened. We soon came to the 
residence of a rich man, owning over twenty thousand acres 
of land. He had planted over seven hundred acres of corn 
last year, all of which the Yankees gathered for him. I 
suppose this man's name is Anderson, as he resides bv 
Anderson Station. Near this station w"e passed the spot 
where the 20th Connecticut camped last night. 

We camped about two miles from Stevenson, Alabama. 
We stopped amid many unburied, stinking mules. It is now 
almost impossible to find a camping place where there are 
not dead mules. 

We soon reached Stevenson, next morning. Some of the 
same old houses were there which I saw in 1862. The 
Alabama House, then, was now a Soldiers' Home. x\ large 
number of cabins have been erected, chiefly for contrabands. 
Some field works have been constructed. We paused long 
enough to draw three days' rations. We then resumed our 
w'ear}^ march. The dirt road led us through the .vallev in 
almost every direction. And there was not onh' the road 
we traveled with our horses, but many, others, winding 
about in almost ever}^ direction. The footmen traveled on 
the railroad — not on the cars. 

In my riding I fell in company with the Chaplain of the 
20th Connecticut. He appeared to be a man of medium size, 
both in body and mind. He has been in the field since last 
September. I have no doubt that he is an earnest, faith- 
ful and successful laborer. 

We came up with his Regiment. Thev belonged to the 
1 2th Arm}' Corps, but now constitute a part of the new 20th 
Corps, under General Hooker. The men wore very neat 
clothing for soldiers. Instead of hats like our men, thev 



2a t CHAPLATX HTGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

wore caps. These iire not so comfortable, but much neater, 
than hats. The knapsacks of these Eastern bovs are more 
neatly packed than ours. The bhmkets are placed upon the 
knapsack in a very nice roll. The men keep to their places 
better than Western men. It is no use to deny that they 
are better soldiers than Western men, so tar as discipline, 
order and neatness are concerned. Thev make better 
ijfuards and, indeed, are superior on any kind of detached 
duty, which requires what is called "style." All honor to 
them for this. But in one respect our Western men are 
superior to the Eastern. We are better lighters. This has 
been demonstrated by the whole historj^ of the war. There 
is no occasion, there lore, for any jealousy between Eastern 
and Western troops. I have often been pained during this 
marcli at our men for making contemptible reproaches at 
the Eastern troops. They generally are better bred than 
our men, and do not retort to the same extent. This bel- 
lowing of one body of soldiers at another is all wrong, and 
siiould not be permitted by the officers. 

We camped in sight of Bridgeport. Again we had the 
perfume of dead mules. 

After supper, in company with Lieutenant R. A. 
Woods, I took a walk about Bridgeport. We passed 
through t4ie boatyard. The Goyernment has seyen steamers 
in progress of construction. One of these has made a suc- 
cessful trip to Chattanooga. I am no judge of such matters, 
but the work seemed to be going bravely ahead. The 
steamers seemed to be substantial and good. We returned 
to camp with the impression that Uncle Sam was a thor- 
ough-going old gentleman. The noble forts which protect 
the bridge and boatyard, only confirmed us in our opinion. 

We were detained some time Eriday morning in Bridge- 
port, drawing forage and getting the mules shod. We 
passed along the railway to our old acquaintance, Shell- 
mound. We saw the familiar face of Nickajack Cave, but 
had not time to call. There were many empty huts here, 
indioatiuL'- tliat the irarrison had mostly ijone to the front. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 28.> 

We went by without stopping, until we came to the largt^ 
spring that flows from Raccoon Mountain, just abov-e the 
Station, tiere we dined. 

The road from this point, for some distance, lias been 
recently improved. There was great need of this, for the 
road was exceedingly rough last September, when General 
Crittenden's Corps passed this way. Our way lay along a 
romantic route. At one place the road lay just above the 
waters of the Tennessee, while towering palisades of solid 
limestone rose for several hundred feet above our heads. 
There was no cessation to the stench of dead horses and 
mules. They tell the severity of last autumn's campaign on 
our army. 

We jogged along, making most excellent headway. In 
due time we came to the grand trestlework over Running 
Water. It was a ruin when I saw it last, bv moonlight, in 
September, 1863. Now, it was a grand sight to see the 
cars passing over the bridge, more than an hundred feet high. 

In oiu" march of April 30th, nothing of special incident 
occurred. W^e followed the route the Regiment took in its 
iirst advance on Chattanooga ; passing the camps of many of 
the Regiments belonging to the 20th Corps. These camps, 
as a rule, were ver}- neatly and tastily arranged, and had 
furnished a very comfortable abiding place for the soldiers 
during the winter. 

Now we came to the point where the road turns around 
the base of Lookout Mountain. This road has been 
greatly improved since we last traveled over it, thanks to 
Colonel George P. Buell and his Pioneer Brigade. The 
wagon road is above the railroad ; sometimes we seemed to 
hang just over the river. The Tennessee makes a beautiful 
bend here. When within a few miles of the mountain, the 
river turns south and hastens to do homage, by kissing the 
foot of Lookout, Having performed this act of devotion, 
she turns again to the northwest, and, passing through the 
Little and Big Sucks, the Frying Pan, and Skillet, (which 
unclassic names represent the gorges in the mountains,) bids 



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CHAPTER XX. 



Beginning of the Atlanta Campaign — Chattanooga 
TO Resaca — Incidents Preliminary to the Mo\'e 
— Breaking Stone — Organization of a Regimental 
Christian Commission — Racket with Colored 
Troops — Small-pox — Pontoon Train Starts for 
the Front — Over Familiar Ground — Chickamauga 
Battlefield — Sound of Battle on the Left — 
Hurrying the Pontoons to the Front — Bat- 
tle OF Resaca — Fight at Lay's Ferry — Crossing 

THE OOSTANAULA ReSACA ABANDONED BY THE REB- 
ELS — Sherman's Army in Full Pursuit. 



TIlERl'v are many rumors in camp now about a forward 
movement. It is probable some of them are true. It 
is certain that there is a great stir of preparation going on. 
General Sherman is now in command of all the troops in 
this department, and he is concentrating all the available 
troops from other sections. For several days troops have 
been passing through Chattanooga, going to the front. 
Generals Schotield and Howard have come from East Ten- 
nessee with the 23d and 4th Corps. General Hooker, with 
the 20th Corps, has moved up from Lookout Valley. Gen- 
eral Thomas, with the 14th Corps, has been in position 
towards Dalton for some time. With General Sherman in 
command of this grand arm^' we will be able to accomplish 
something ; and it will not be manv davs until the work will 
begin. This armv has never been equaled, in size, 
equipments or valor, by any in the West. I have every 
confidence in our Generals, and have greater confidence^ in 
the Lord. I belie v^e that He will give us the victory ; not 
so much because we deserve it, as a reward for our fait li ful- 
ness and trust in Ilim. liut liecause il will be loi" His own 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 



LM51) 



((lorv. It is ;i matter of deep regret that tliere is so much 
wickedness in our army, especially among those in high 
command. It is greatly to be deplored that there is so little 
recognition of God, in the control of our arm\', and in national 
affairs. But I hope that He will hear and answer tlie jirayers 
of the faithful few. 

Tuesday, May 3. — I went early this morning to yisit 
Private William Bennett, who is very sick of pneumonia, at 
general field hospital. I spoke to the surgeon about having 
prayers in the tent. He gave his consent, but hesitated, and 
looked around, as if he thought it might hurt something in 
the room. 

The following table exhibits the full strength of our 
Regiment at the present time : 



CoMPANIKS. 



Field and Staff. 

Company A 

Company B.._ 

Company C 

Company D 

Company E ._ . 

Company F 

Company G 

Compony H.. . 

Company I 

Company K 



Total. 



50 

42 

33 
20 

33 
32 
32 
27 
37 
23 



16 

I 

II 

10 

7 
7 



339 70 409 



54 
44 
43 
36 
34 
43 
42 
34 
44 



S 
29 
14 
33 
20 

19 

7 
II 

19 

17 

178 



C'3 
73 
61 
69 

54 
64 

51 
47 
64 

42 



1 2 t^qq 



I called on Chaplain Whitehead, of the 15th Indiana. 
His Regiment has but forty-one more da3's to serve. Many 
of the officers and men, of the three years' Regiments, will 
feel badly after they are mustered out of the service, this 
summer. I am oflad I am not one of them. 



290 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Wednesday, May 4. — General Thomas went to the front 
to-day. Evidences of a pending battle thicken. A number 
of troops came from the rear, on the cars. 

Our brass band, after a long interim of lazy-do-nothing- 
ness, is waking up and is now playing a few tunes. 

Thursday, May k. — We had a meetinsf this evenina^ and 
took preliminary steps toward the reorganization of our 
Regimental Christian Association. We meet again next 
Monday evening. 

For two or three days the Army of the Tennessee, under 
command of General McPherson, has been passing through 
town, going to join the army under General Sherman, in 
front of Dalton. News from the East is to the effect that 
the Armv of the Potomac is advancinuf. With Grant in 
command in the East, and Sherman in the AVest, we will 
have some effective work. 

The 58th has been furnishing a daily detail of two hun- 
dred men, to break stone for macadamizing the streets of 
Chattanooga. This is necessary and useful labor, no doubt, 
but, to my mind, is a little below the dignity of a soldier. 
This is the wa}^ the bo3^s regard it, too, and express a'desire 
to adandon their job of stone breaking and go to the front. 
They say they can break stone at home, or in the peniten- 
tiary. But we will see enough of the front soon, if I 
do not miss my guess. The pontoons are all loaded, 
ready to move at a moment's notice, and we will go witli 
them. 

Saturday, May 7. — Qiiite a difficulty occurred to-day on 
the river bank, between some white and negro soldiers. 
The whites began the row, but the colored troops came out 
first best. Hugh Shaw, of our Regiment, seems to have 
been the leader, and there were several others of the Regi- 
ment engaged in the fracas. Shaw was badly handled and 
lost his gun. Six companies of the 14th United States Col- 
ored Infantry appeared on the ground to maintain order. 
In the meantime, the offending fools had been arrested and 
were put on fatigue dut\'. The day is gone, forever gone, 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 291 

when colored soldiens in the United States Army can be 
insulted with impunity. 

Sunday, May 8. — Attended morning services at the Post 
Chapel. Rev. Mr. Kincade, of the Christian Commission, 
preached a good sermon, thirty minutes long, on Naaman. 
There was a man in the congregation who responded too 
often, too loud, and in the wrong place. Responding is a 
good thing, but can be overdone, and wronglv done. He 
said "Amen" to the triumph of the devil. He had entirely 
too much steam for the amount of brains he possessed. 

I preached in our Regiment at two p. m. to a large and 
attentive congregation. There is an evident increase in 
spirituality in the Regiment. This must be in answer to the 
prayers of the people at home. 

At 6:30 p. m., Monday, May loth, we met in front of 
our Regiment and perfected the organization of a Regi- 
mental Christian Association. Following is the constitution : 

CONSTITUTION OF THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF 
THE FIFTT-EIGHTH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS. 

PREAMBLE. 

We, the undersigned members of the 58th Indiana Volunteers, professing 
to be followers of Christ, who commanded us not to forget the assembling of 
ourselves together, and believe it a duty which we owe to each other to meet 
for prayer, advice, and instruction, that we may grow in grace and the 
knowledge of the truth, do, for the purpose of obtaining concert of action 
among ourselves, and building each other up in the faith, establish and agree 
to be governed bv the following constitution: 

Article i. The Society shall be known as the Christian Association of 
the 5Sth Indiana Volunteers. 

Article 2. Its officers shall consist of a Moderator, Clerk, and an Exec- 
utive Committee of three, who shall be elected at the first meetings in Jan- 
uary, April, July, and October. 

Article 3. The Moderator shall open each meeting with prayer, and 
preside while the Association is in session. 

Article 4. The Clerk shall keep a book in which shall be recorded the 
names and address of each member of the Association, with the church of 
which he is a member. He shall also keep a record of the proceedings of 
each official meeting of the Association, which shall be held at least once a 
month. 

Article 5. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to look 
after the welfare of the Society, and if any of the members should be found 
acting unbecoming a christian, to report the same to the Society. 



292 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Article 6. Any person may become a member of this Association by 
renouncing his sins, confessing his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and 
obedience to His commandments. 

Article 7. It will be expected that every member evince his conver- 
sion to God by attending our meetings, taking a part therein, and by an 
upright and holy life. Such persons shall be entitled to a certificate of mem- 
bership signed by the Moderator and Clerk. 

Article S. The death, discharge or removal of an\- member, shall be 
entered upon the Clerk's book. 

Article 9. The Association may have a meeting at any time the Mod- 
erator and Executive Committee deem it expedient. 

Article 10. The Scripture shall be the only rule of faith and practice. 

Article ii. This Constitution may be changed or other articles 
added, by a vote of a majority of the members, at any meeting of the 
Association. 

Article 1.2. Any person who is a faithful member of the society and 
does not hold a membership with any church at home, may, at his own 
request, be recommended by the Society to the church of his choice, for 
membership. 

The followintr officers were elected : Patterson W. Wal- 
lace, Moderator; Henry W. Bryant, Clerk; Captain U. L. 
Cain, Lieutenant Jacob Davis, William Clem, Executive 
Committee. 

It was ordered that any persons desiring to join, hand in 
their names, residence and church to the Chaplain. The 
question of erectini^ an arbor Ibr public worship was dis- 
cussed, and deferred on account of the uncertainty of the 
continuance of our present camp. Appropriate resolutions 
were passed in reference to the death of Jesse T. Alexander. 

Larkin Montgomery has been sick for some days and the 
surgeons determined to send him to the Brigade hospital. 
When the ambulance came this afternoon, I followed Dr. 
Iloltzman over to the quarters of Company D, to see Mont- 
gomery put in the ambulance. When I looked in the Doc- 
tor was making an examination of the patient. lie has the 
small-po.x. I spoke a few words and came away. The pest 
ambulance was sent for. Before it came, and whilt^ 1 was 
writing in the tent, in company witli Drs. Iloltzman and 
Patten, in came George W. Johnson, saying: 

"Doctor, I have come to see what this breakino- out on 
me is?" 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMEXT. i'0.{ 

The Doctor made an examination and discovered that lie, 
also, has the small-pox. An hour or two afterwards both 
are sent to the small-pox hospital. This disease has been 
spread all through this country by Longstreet's men. They 
scattered it through East Tennessee. Our men have caught 
it and scattered it through the North. 

Companies C and G, under Major Downey, are ordered 
to go to Ringgold, Ga., in the morning and repair roads. 
Thev take two wagons and an ambulance. No tents or mess 
chests can go. Dr. Patten will accompany them. The 
Regiment is to be paid to-night. 

I turned over about three hundred Testaments to the U.S. 
Christian Commission. Five hundred were sent out with us 
by the Gibson County (Indiana) Bible Societ}', for our 
Regiment. It took only about two hundred to supply our 
men. Many of our soldiers still have the same Testaments 
which they brought with them from Camp Gibson, wlien 
they first entered the service. Others have supplied them- 
selves or been recently supplied. 

The Regiment left camp at about six a. m., May 12th, and 
marched to the depot. We have three wagons, and carr\' 
ten days' rations and forage. We take no tents, mess boxes 
or valises. A large number of men are left behind. Charley 
Fullerton, the large, lazy and trifling leader of the band, is 
unnecessarily excused by the Surgeon. The Colonel then 
excused all the band. This cuts us off from music. 

It was about eight a. m. when we left the railroad depot 
and started on the Rossville road. First was Colonel Buell 
and staff. Then came Colonel Moore and six Companies 
of the 58th. Then came the Pontoon train, with several 
companies of Ponton iers scattered along. Company B, of 
our Regiment, was about midway, and Company F formed 
a rear guard. 

The Pontoon train was very long. At first I could not 
believe that there was any pontoon about it, as I saw nothing 
that had any semblance of a boat. I saw nothing but trestles 
and boards, as it appeared to me. But then there were two 



294 CHAPLAIN HIGHT\S HISTORY OF THE 

wagons loaded with oars, and what did they want oars for 
if they had no boats? We, who were not posted, had consid- 
erable discussion about this matter, as is usual with ignorant 
p'^ople. After awhile I learn that the boats were to be made 
of canvass and were nicely rolled away. The trestles I saw 
were the frames on which the canvass was stretched. 

All the old fencing which was standing when last I trav- 
eled this Rossville road (September 21, 1863,) is now gone. 
We rested a few moments at Rossville, and moved on 
through the gap on the road to Lee and Gordon's Mill. 
The trees in the gap were well marked with rifle balls, made 
on the day last named. 

We moved on through the woods rendered famous bv the 
battle of Chickamauga. Different spots call up various 
reminiscences to the men, and there were constant recita- 
tions of tragic events along the line. Especial interest was 
taken in instructing the recruits in the historv of certain roads, 
hills and fields. These listened with attention, and gazed 
wiii marvel on the well scarred trees. In some places the 
timber was very much torn. A cut fifteen feet long from 
some of these might be quite an attraction at a fashionable 
Sanitary Fair, but might not make a good argument for 
enlisting. I rode off to the left of the road and saw where 
tiie breastworks had been, where the 58th stood on Sunday 
morning of the battle. These have been destroved by fire. 
1 saw the old fields through which the enemy advanced later 
in the day to meet our men. And, in the distance, was the 
hill on which the 58th fought all day Sunday. I rode 
through the woods where tiie rebels, bv the aid of our bad 
movements, broke our lines. But in no place were the 
graves so numerous as where the 58th charged on Saturday 
afternoon. The little woods was full of them. Here a 
number of our men were killed and others lost. We could 
not identify any graves, as strangers had buried them. But 
the men, in many cases, could point to the very stumps and 
trees which sheltered them. Captain Cain saw tlie bones of 
poor Zeke Boren, just wiiere he died, behind the rail breast- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGDIENT. 295 

works. There was a strong smell of decaying bodies in 
these woods and fields. 

We bivouacked just before reaching the mill. We lay 
about two hours resting and eating. I did not go to Craw- 
fish Springs, as it was too far from the command. 

The march is resumed and the Chickamaufja is crossed, 
just below the mill-dam. The mill is running for the citi- 
zens, but they have little to be ground. 

After we had left the mill a mile in the rear, we came vipon 
ground which the 58th had never trod before. The fences 
were nearly all standing, and the people were making some 
efforts to farm. One farmer and his famil}^ met us at the 
gate with buttermilk, and many smiles, professing Unionism. 
I have no doubt that there are many Union people in North- 
ern Georgia, but it requires a more extensive acquaintance 
than a single trip along the road to distinguish them. 

We bivouacked for the night at Rock Spring, eighteen 
miles from Chattanooga. We had heard distant cannonad- 
ing during the after part of the day, in the direction of Dal- 
ton. We heard nothing definite from the battle. Strong 
pickets were put out around our camp, and every precau- 
tion taken to prevent a surprise. 

Friday, May 13. — We were up at three o'clock, and an 
hour later we marched out on the Lafayette road. We were 
all out on the road before day. There were but few indica- 
tions of an army on this road. We met a few couriers, and 
heard heavy cannonading early in the day. Lafayette is a 
small village, now nearly deserted. There are a few good 
houses. The scenery about is very tine. To the left is Pea 
Vine Ridge, and to the right Pigeon Mountains. Catoosa 
Creek flows by the town. 

We turned to the left and went through a pass in Pea 
Vine Ridge. Passing on, we bivouacked for dinner at the 
foot of Taylor's Ridge. This ridge is a mountain. It 
required several hours for the long train to reach the svim- 
mit. Here were rifle marks upon the trees. Indeed, from 
this time we saw on every side the evidences of war. We 



290 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

soon came upon the cavalry videttes of the grand armv. It 
was not long after, passing through some gap, that we came 
to the cavalry and wagon trains. Colonel Wilder was at a 
little cross-roads, Bivilla bv name. As there was a demand 
toi- the pontoon in front, Colonel Buell hurried on. After 
marching twenty-five miles more, we camped, about ten 
p. m., in Snake Creek Valley. This was a very hard day's 
march. It is wonderful that we succeeded in marching so 
many miles over such roads, and with such a long train. 

Saturday, May 14. — At 12:30 a. m. the camp was 
aroused, and, in midnight gloom, the march was resumed. 
Our progress was slow, owing to the roughness of the wav 
and the darkness of the night. As day dawned on us, we 
came upon large trains parked in the mouth of Snake Creek 
^"alley. Here was a good position and heavy entrench- 
ments. We turned out into a little field in Sugar Valley, by 
the roadside, about seven o'clock, for breakfast. There was 
cannonading in front, and an occasional shot from a skir- 
misher. 

After an hour's rest, we were hurried oft' to lay a pontoon 
bridge over Oostanaula River. We were ordered to Lay's 
Ferry, but the Colonel, having no guide, went on the Cal- 
houn Ferry road. Several hours were spent, and our weary 
soldiers still more exliausted, in wandering about the dense 
torests. At last we paused, a mile from Lay's Ferrv. The 
pontoons were hastilv put together. The 58th and Ponton- 
iers were supported b}' a Division ot the i6th Armv Corps. 

Soon the storm of deadly battle was heard on the plains of 
Oostanaula, far to our left. The battle raged northeast of us. 
It continued far into the night. It was impossible to tell the 
result Irom the sound. No coiu^iers bring us any informa- 
tion. 

In the afternoon the 5(Sth took the boats and put them \n 
the mouth of Snake Creek. Soon after, they were floated 
down into the Oostanaula. About four hundred of General 
Dodge's men were ferried over by the Pontoniers. A 
charge was made up the other bank. One flag and tliirty 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EE(.1MENT. L>!I7 

prisoners were captured. The rebels were driven from the 
bank. It was a man in the 66th Indiana who captured the 
flag. It had been deserted by the enemy. He swam over 
and took it. He has been promised a lurlough to carry it to 
Governor Morton. 

After we had hiid down and fallen asleep, we were 
ordered up to move. It was about nine o'clock. The pon- 
toons were taken from the river. This order awakenetl 
considerable misgiving with main' of us. We feared that 
the battle of the afternoon had gonc» against the left, and we 
were to move back a little wa\\ But soon the order came to 
"unhitch, unharness, and go to bed." I suppose that the 
order for moving was a mistake, originating tVom an order 
to take up the pontoons. 

In the flght this at'ternoon the rebels poured in the shells 
very lively into our ranks. One would have torn oft' Cap- 
tain James M. Smith's legs, had he not moved them in time. 
Alonzo Stewart, of Compan^' B, was severelv wounded in 
the hip by a fragment of shell. I was in exact range of the 
battery, but sought shelter behind the large pines and oaks. 
One Pontonier was killed, and Ave or six wounded. 

Sunday, May 15. — The men were ordered to lay a bridge 
at the ferrv. It was completed bv noon. But little opposi- 
tion was made bv the enem^'. Our men tired on the rebels, 
but they made no replv. The battle was not resumed verv 
heavily on the leit. There was skirmishing and some can- 
nonading. We all remembered the Sunday's fight at Chick- 
mauga, and expected something of a repetition, but we were 
happily mistaken. 

In the afternoon a severe skirmish occurrc^d beyond the 
ferr^■. Our skirmishers moved out and met a stroncr resist- 
ance. Our men were driven to their works, hut rallied and 
charged on the rebels. They were repulsed, and left their 
dead and severely wounded on the field. A\'(' must havt> had 
about fifty men killed and wounded in this afiV;n-. 

After this firing had ceased, I rode down 10 \hv ferr\-. 
Our men were busy as bees, laving a second pontoon. ]")lant- 



2'.»» CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THF-: 

ino- o-uns, and throwing up earthworks. This is a verv tine 
point for crossing an army. The river bends on the right 
and left of the ferry, coming from and going to the enemy. 
This saves the ferry from being flanked, while our men hold 
this bank. Ju-;t below, Snake Creek empties into Oostan- 
aula. This aflbrds a flne cover for launching pontoons. 
Just over the ferrv, the countrv is level, and part of it 
cleared. On this side tlie ground rises. Here our guns are 
placed, commanding the other side. On this bank of the 
river the ground swells just at the water's brink, aftbrding a 
natural protection for infantry. Hence, although the 58th 
was on the ground this afternoon, participating in the fight, 
not a man was injured. I sat for a time on the bank, watch- 
ing with interest the progress of the work. War involves 
every species of labor. Every kind of talent is called into 
requisition. E/ery art and science must be practiced. It 
taxes man to the utmost. Not onlv does it demand his time, 
his industry', his talent, his acquirements, his propert}^, but 
his life. 

Yes, for here are the fruits of war, crossing on the stretch- 
ers over the bridge — wounded and dead men. It is no won- 
der that Wellington said to his staff', "Gentlemen, ours is a 
damnable profession." 

Passing over the bridge, I viewed the works which are 
being constructed for holding the ferrv. Another and 
stronger charge of the enemv is anticijiatcd tliis afternoon. 
But it is not made, and could not have been successful. 

Many stragglers are passing out even beyond the skir- 
mishers. They are bringing in meal, flour, meat, etc., from 
a rich rebel's house, just 3'onder in the edge of the woods. 
An ofllcer passes with some Greek and Latin works, which 
tell of the classic taste of the now fleeing Southerners. 

Monday, May 16. — About eiglit o'clock orders were 
issued for marching, with our surplus pontoon, to Resaca, 
eight or ten miles to the left. Companies A and K were 
left at Lay's Ferry in charge of the two bridges constructed 
yesterday. By the time the train began to collect at the 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDTA>'A EE(UMENT. 290 

cross-roads, a mile from the ferrv, the troops and trains 
from the left were rushing for the river. A new move was 
evidently on foot. The battle last night was the enemy's 
last struggle on the north bank of the Oostanaula. Ris posi- 
tions are this morninof evacuated. General Sherman is 
making a new disposition of his army to meet the enemy's 
new movements. Such an occasion is always one of 

"Hurrying to and fro," 

as described bv Bvron. We lay nearlv an hour at the cro.'^s- 
roads, awaiting the arrival of the remainder of our train from 
the ferrv. We then moved to the left. The roads were 
crowded with wagons, going the other wav. These were 
turned hastil}^ out of the way to let the Pontoon train pa'^s, 
as we have the right of way over everything else. We also 
met some troops of the i6th Corps coming the same way. 
These were also turned out of the road. We passed the 
spot where the men killed at Lav's Ferrv were being buried. 

We passed General Logan sitting on his horse by the 
roadside. It was m}' first sight of him. His complexion is 
dark, and he wears a heavy, villainous mustache. Now, that 
I have seen the man, I honor him the more for standing firm 
by the Union, although it was in opposition to his political 
faith. It is a wonderful triumph over the old man within and 
the mean man without. General Logan's record during this 
war is one that any man might well be proud of. His troops 
— the 15th Corps — were waiting by the roaddde to go to 
Lay's Ferry and cross. The woods and fields are tuU of them. 
The 15th and i6th Corps are under General McPherson. 

We now came upon the hosts of General Palmer — the I4lh 
Corps. The guns were stacked and the l^a^•onets gleamed 
brightly in the morning sun. The men were lively. Several 
bands were discoursing good music. The tide of battle was 
now turned the other way. Men were rushing towards 
Resaca. It was with great difiiculty that the Pontoon train 
w^as forced through. Colonel Buell displayed great energy 
and some tact, in clearing the way and hurrying forward the 
train. 



.300 (HAT'LAIX HTGHT'S HISTOUY OF THE 

A great change for the better has been wrought in Colonel 
Buell. lie has gained wisdom by his experience in the 
arniv. He had faults, but he was free from one prevailing 
fault, among manv army officers — he did not drink whisky. 
His swearing was only to the extent of saying, "dod dern 
it," which was a very mild expression, compared with some 
used bv many officers. But Colonel Buell is now popular 
with the Generals and witii his men. He is an excellent 
Pioneer commander. He pushes his work through 

rapidly. 

We soon began to pass the tbrtitications used by our men 
in the recent battles. Here are two graves in an orchard on 
the right. We pass a valle}^ where the trees are marked 
with cannon and rifle shots. We came to the strong line of 
entrenchments, just in front of Resaca, evacuated by the 
rebels this morning. The main battlefield is farther to the 
left. After resting a few moments at the entrenchments we 
moved through Resaca to the river bank. A large quantity 
of meal and salt, and some tents, and a few dismounted can- 
non, were captured at the depot. Tiiis is a strong position 
and difficult to be flanked. There is only one weakness about 
the position. It is the hill from which our men had com- 
mand of the railroad bridge. The 36th Georgia was cap- 
tured here this morning, destroying bridges. The pontoons 
were destroyed, except a few boats, and they were 
sunk. A weak wagon bridge, though fired, was saved, and 
the army was crossing on it. Five men passed over this 
bridge, when our army first entered the place, and cut the 
railroad trestles on the other side. This saved a long trestle 
work. 

No sooner did we reach the bank than the men went 
busily to work, putting together the pontoons. It was 
twelve m. when the labor began. By the middle of the 
afternoon the troops and wagons were crossing on it. In 
thr meantime a bridge had been constructed on the ruins of 
the raih-oad bridge, just at the water's edge. Two brigades 
ot' Stanle\"s l)ivisi(m went over there. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



Progress of the Atlanta Campaign — From the Oos- 

tanaula to the chattahoochee crossing the 

Etowah — Johnson's Position at A l l a t o o n a 
Flanked — About Burnt Hickory — Skirmishing 
ALL Along the Line — Repairing Bridges — Pon- 
toons AT Etowah Station — Incidents of the For- 
ward Movement — Acworth — Pine Mountain — 
Kenesaw — Marietta — Fronting Rebel Rifle Pits 
Across Chattahoochee. 



GREAT activity characterizes every movement of the 
army, now. Pontoons are laid and the troops are 
rapidh^ passing over. The telegraph repairing corps is 
keeping up with the advancing arm^^. A train of cars came 
up, almost before the smoke of battle cleared away, bringing 
timbers, already framed, for the repair of the railroad bridge. 
An occasional gun tells of the presence of the enemy in ovu" 
front. 

The most of the trains, and all of the troops, designed to 
cross the river at this point, having passed, by noon of the 
1 8th, we moved over the battalion and began taking up the 
bridge. This being completed by the middle of the after- 
noon, and a company of Pontoniers having been detailed to 
construct a permanent pontoon, we move on. A few miles 
out we came to Calhoun, almost entirely deserted. There 
were some rail works runnino- throujrh the suburbs of the 
village. The rebels made a stand here last night. Calhoun 
has been a pleasant town, betore the war. There is a monu- 
ment to one General Nelson, of whom, perhaps, I am to 
blame for never liaving heard. I suppose him to have been 



302 CHAPLAIX HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

a "cornstalk GeneraF' of the old State militia times — "the 
better days of the republic,'' as croakers imagine. 

Here we overtook Company K and one of the bridges 
recently laid at Lay's P'erry. A mile from Calhoun we 
stopped for supper at Bailey's Mills, on Oothcaloga Creek. 
After an hour's rest we moved on, designing to go ten miles 
to Adairsville. The moon shone brightly and the night was 
lovelv. But an officer never gains anything by marching 
his troops at night, when there is no emergency. We have 
not gained an inch by night marching since leaving Chatta- 
nooga. Long before reaching Adairsville we all lay down, 
exhausted, bv the roadside, and went soundly to sleep. 

Near Adairsville, next morning, we passed, a point where 
there were more bullet marks than I ever saw, in so small a 
compass. On the left, a little strip of medium sized oaks 
were scarred in innumerable places. On the right, there is 
the hull of an old shop, pierced through many thousand 
times. Just beyond, on the left, there is a plank fence, the 
narrow boards of which are perfectly riddled. The ruins of 
a fine Georgia mansion are smoking, a few steps farther on. 
Two lines of temporary field works are still standing. The 
Loyalists occupied one and the rebels the other. The com- 
batants have passed on, and these marks and desolations, 
and a few soldiers' graves, are left to tell the tale to the pass- 
ing Pontoniers. Here the 4th Corps is said to have fought, 
and some of Hooker's men did noble execution. 

We soon came to Adairsville — desolate, like all the towns 
we come to. The citizens imagine that it is patriotic to 
leave their homes and entwine their destiny about the pillars 
of the Southern Confederacy. Many of them will be 
crushed beneath the ruins, when this house, founded on the 
sand, falls. 

After an hour's rest, we move a sliort distance trom the 
village and bivouacked in a dirty woods, by the side of a 
sluggish creek. It was a fine day for sleep, and in its soft 
embraces, the soldier, that day, forgot his toils and battle 
scenes. A gentle breeze, soft as a mother's lullaby, fanned 



FIFTY-EHiHTH INDIANA HEiilMENT. 



:m\ 









|R -NGGOLD I V C 



MAP OF THE 
ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 




:}04 ("HAl'LAIX HKiHT'S UISTCUfY OF THE 

his wcarv boch'. Many dreamed of home, but awoke 
toward nightfall, to find themselvCvS soldiers, in the sunny 
South, Thus glides the soldier's life. The night is often 
his day and the day is often his night. 

Friday, May 20. — This morning we left Adairsville and 
resumed our march. We soon came to the wagon trains, 
the cavalry moving to the rear, and the infantry lying b}^ 
their guns. The grand armv seems 10 be resting on its 
laurels. After remaining a lew moments in Kingston, we 
move a quarter of a mile out and stop for orders. 

I caught a glance of a Major-General, standing in a hall 
in Kingston. It was only a glance. I had never seen him 
before. lie was tall and slender, and had the look of a 
classic teacher. At home, with a black coat on, I w^ould 
have guessed him the pastor of an old fashioned Presby- 
terian Church, who taught Greek and Latin through the 
week. Farther I will not go until I see him again. I was 
afterwards informed that it was General Sherman. 

After lilting our dinner of pickled pork, crackers, and 
colTee, we were informed that the army was to rest until 
IMonday, the 23d, by order of General Sherman. Turning 
east, and crossing the road, we camped about a nice frame 
mansion, owned b}^ one Clayburne. The house is deserted. 
The proprietor is banking at Atlanta. The farm is sterile 
but the water is superior, and the scenery fine, without being 
grand. The Regiment is placed in the orchard and tiie 
horses in the front yard. Tiie house served for Brigade 
and Regimental headquarters. 

Saturday, May 21. — The Armies of the Cumberland, 
Tennessee and Ohio rest in quiet to-da', . I am sick. Have 
IxHMi in bed all da v. I felt a little lietter towards night. 

^\'sterday afternoon we learned of tlie death of (jeorge 
Kalian, First Lieutenant and (^lartcMMnaster of our Regi- 
ment. AV'e had left him, sick, at Decherd, l\Minesset\ on 
oiu" march irom Nashville. He was taken to Nashville. 
Was very sick, but recovered somewhat. He afterwards 
relajised and died, when or how, I am not informed. 



FIPTY-EICtHTH IXDIAXA REGIMENT. .'5 or. 

He was a native of Scotland, and "his speech betrayed 
him." His business qualifications were of the tirst order. 
He was industrious, living much of the time in the saddle. 
He was an excellent penman and book-keeper. Few men 
could get up a neater or more correct report. He had 
traveled extensively and read many books. In short, 
he was a highly gifted young man, with fine conversa- 
tional powers, rare musical attainments, and polished 
manners. His was one of the brijxhtest minds in the Reo-- 
iment. 

Monday, May 23. — The rest of the grand arm\' was 
broken to-da^'. We early left our camp, and moved south 
from Kingston. We crossed Two Run Creek near the 
town. We travel along a blind path, through a desolate 
land of tall pines. The soil was covered with a carpet of 
wild strawberries. 

We met the head of the 20t]i Corps, led b}' General 
Hooker. He is a popular man among the soldiers. 

We reached the Etowah, at Milam's Bridge, The oppo- 
site bank is occupied by a few of our cavalry. One bridge 
is completed in an hour and twent}^ minutes. Immediately 
the 20th Corps began to pour over. The troops are followed 
by their trains. 

The 4th and 14th Corps are passing a few miles farther 
down the river. While this is ffoinp- on, the enemy is look- 
incr for us in vain, at Etowah Station. 

It is very interesting to look on while an army is crossing 
a pontoon. It is a great place to study human nature. In 
the military world, everybody is impressed In' his own 
importance. Even mule drivers are liighly offended whiMi 
the guards tell them to drive slow. The guards themselves 
are impressed with their otlice. Thej' take peculiar delight 
in dismounting passing officers. 

Tuesday, May 24. — The 20th Corps having crossed yes- 
terday and last night, the 23d began passing early this morn- 
ing. This Corps is from Knoxville, plus six new Indiana 
Regiments, under General Hovey. 



306 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

About the middle of the afternoon, the 23d Corps was all 
over. Colonel Buell immediately took up the pontoon. 
Rumor said the position was to be evacuated, and even the 
railroad given up to Resaca. Sherman designs to swing 
around to the right, that he may turn the position of the 
enemy at Allatoona. 

It was dark by the time the pontoons were taken from the 
stream. A furious rain storm prevailed while the loads were 
being adjusted. I lay on the floor of an old house. Here I 
found shelter and some sleep. At nine o'clock we moved 
south. It was dark, and the roads were horrible. After 
traveling about two miles, we were effectively stopped b}' 
the trains in advance. The fields on either side were fallow 
ground. We put down some rails for a bed. After walk- 
ing three-fourths of a mile to get a drink from a filthy 
stream, I lav down and finished mv sleep. Fence rails 
make a good bed. 

Wednesday, May 25. — As soon as the preceding trains 
moved, we followed. We soon passed beyond the bounds 
of fertile lands, and entered upon a desolate region of pines. 
Occasionally we would, hnd a little hut and a patch of cleared 
ground. Most of these were without occupants. 

We stopped an hour for dinner. Soon after this, we came 
upon a part of the 23d Corps. They had been in camp 
but were falling in, to march towards Burnt Hickory. We 
followed them, and encamped for the night near that 
place. This is on the old Carolina and Kentucky stock 
road. Forage for the stock was scarce in early times, and 
is yet. There stood here a hickor\^ tree. At its base the 
passing travelers kindled their camp fires. Thence the place 
took the name of "Burnt Ilickorv." l^ong after the tree 
had fallen down and been destroyed, the name is retained. 
There are a few houses scattered up and down the 
road, but Burnt Hickorv can not even boast of being a 
village. 

About dark the mail came, and the rain began to fall. 
JBefore this the sound of battle came from the front. While 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 307 

the rain fell, and we were trying to open the mail and read 
our letters in our open tents, the sound of musketry contin- 
ued. It soon hushed, and all was still. 

We occupy a little line of temporary works, constructetl hv 
our men last niij^ht. We are on the extreme left, save a few 
cavalry. 

The next morning dawned in comparative quiet. Some 
skirmish tiring was all we lieard to-day. 

In the al'ternoon we moved about three miles to the right. 
The road was encumbered with troops and trains, and there 
was considerable difficulty in getting our people along. 
Major Downe\^ had quite a difficulty with a Colonel in 
Baird's Division. The Major savs the Colonel was drunk. 
I know the Major was. The Colonel stopped the train. 
Colonel Buell reports him to department headquarters. 

Some of our high officers are possessed with the strange 
conceit that their wisdom rises with their rank. I have often 
known them to be informed of some fact b\' an inferior in 
rank. Many of them can not bear this. Many officers 
study secretiveness, and, by great reserve, pretend to know 
more of the movements than those below. I am a Chaplain, 
and am not in the line of promotion. I stand where I did at 
home. I am sometimes not a little amused at the pretended 
military acquirements of some men, whom, at home, I knew 
were not smart, and in the army never study. Some of these 
fellows, who were not known bevond their immediate neigh- 
borhoods at home, can scarcely find room in their bodies to 
hold their own importance. We have thousands of men in 
the ranks who have wealth, or talent, or reputation. Most 
of our officers, however, are worthy, humble and capable 
men. 

Friday, May 27. — The marcli was resumed. At the lirst 
road on the right, we were joined by Company A, and the 
pontoon detachment, left at Lay's Ferr}-, on the Oostanaula. 
Lieutenant Behm, in command of the Company, is sick in 
the ambulance. The remainder of the command is in tine 
health and spirits. 



:]()i5 CIIArLATN IIKillT'S lIlSTOlfV OF TllK 

Company A has liad a -somewhat different experience 
from the others, since leaving Resaca. The}- were left 
in charge of the two bridges at Lay's Ferry, and, after 
all the troops had crossed over, they took up the 
bridges and marched to a point opposite Rome, where the}^ 
put down another bridge, upon which General Jeff. C. 
Davis' Division crossed and took possession of Rome. This 
was a rich depot for the rebel army, and they had not been 
able to get all their stores away on account of the suddenness 
of their flight. Large quantities of salt and meal were cap- 
tured by our men. 

When Colonel Streight's command was captured, near 
this place in 1863, and brought into Rome as prisoners, they 
were subjected to man}^ indignities, by the proud and haughty 
rebel citizens. A just and righteous retribution now over- 
takes them, in the burning of tlieir houses by indignant sol- 
diers. 

One-half of the Rome newspaper was found struck ofl', 
giving a flaming account of Johnson's success against Sher- 
man. " The sun would not set behind the Catooga hills," 
the editor said, "ere the whole Yankee armv would be cap- 
tured." But things did not turn out that way. Before the 
other side of his paper was printed, the editor, himself, found 
it necessary to flee behind the hills to avoid capture. Our 
boys took possession of his sanctum and immediately began 
the publication of a tri-weekly paper, of loyal sentiments. 

While in this place, Dr. Patten fell into an argument with 
one of the natives, an old man, who owned one slave, on the 
irrepressible slavery question. 

"Slavery could not be put down," he said, "because 
niggers always had been and always would be slav^es. For 
the Bible says of Cain, 'his har shall be kink}', his skin black, 
and a sarvant of sarvants shall be all the da3^s of his life.' " 

"Where is that passage in the Bible?" inquired the 
Doctor. 

"Wall, I cannot exactl}- tell, but if Mary was here she 
could lind it ." 



FTFTY-EKJHTir INDIANA T^EOniENT. :tO!i 

The Doctor got a Bible, and turning to the history ot Cain, 
asked the old man to read it, but discovered that he was 
unable to read. So the Doctor read the story and explained 
its meaning. He was making quite a t'avorable impression 
on the ignoramus, and was encouraged to believe that he 
would instill some sense into him, when Lieutenant Mur- 
phy, who loves a joke, spoke up and said to the old man 
that this scripture had been changed b}^ Abraham Lincoln. 
Of course the Doctor could do no more with his subject alter 
this. The ignorant slave-holder went away horror struck, 
at the wickedness of Abraliam Lincoln. 

The people of Rome were much alarmed lest Colonel 
Streight should visit them. Our men took great delight in 
spreading the report that Colonel Streight was to be placed 
in command of the post. 

We camped near Pumpkin Vine Creek, after marching 
about four miles. We are as near the front as is advisable. 
The sound of the musketry and cannonading can be dis- 
tinctly heard a few miles in front. 

The Pumpkin Vine is a sluggish stream, whose waters 
look as if they might poison the land through which they 
pass. There are hills about us. Where the battle is, the 
ground is rolling, and forest dense. 

General Grant is still successful against Lee, and Sherman 
against Johnson. If Richmond and Atlanta are captured, 
and the rebel armies driven back, what then? Evidentl}^ 
Lee and Johnson will attempt to concentrate. If thev suc- 
ceed, it would be almost impossible to save one of our armies 
from defeat. Nothing but a retreat on Chattanooga could 
save Sherman's army. If this was once accomplished, com- 
binations could readilv be made to meet the rebel army. 
But some time would be consumed in these movements. 
There would be a great fluttering at home, and "there, now, 
I told you so," abroad. Gold would go up and greenbacks 
down. The war would be prolonged. Hence, it is neces- 
sary to prevent a concentration of the rebel armies. Can it 
be done by Grant and Sherman pressing their opponents 



;]10 CHAPLAIN HTCtHT'S HISTOHY OP THE 

severely? No, for the rebels have the railroad, and can 
leave the Yankees behind. But if, after passing Atlanta and 
Richmond, heavy cavalry expeditions are sent out to destroy 
the railroads between Lee and Johnson, and at the same 
time, and all the time, Sherman flanks to the left, and Grant 
to the right, rebel concentration can not take place. But it 
will require great energy and watchfulness. Our rations 
must be kept up. Our teams must be fed well. Reinforce- 
ments must be constantly coming forward. Small expedi- 
tions must be abandoned. With the single exception of a 
vigorous campaign beyond the Mississippi, all else should be 
abandoned, save tiiese two grand movements now in pro- 
gress. 

What folly to have forces in Florida, or South Carolina, 
or Texas, when we can gain nothing by staying, and lose 
nothing by going away. It would be pleasant, indeed, to 
occupy all our land. But we must first conquer the rebel 
armies, and then we can occupy the rebel country with ease 
and safety. To over-run is not to conquer a countr\'. It is 
the men,- not the land, that rebel. 

Our authorities are becoming impressed with this fact, and 
are acting accordingly. \"ictory, and an early peace, must 
be the result of tiiis improved policy, provided the blessings 
of God are upon us. Otherwise, we must be defeated. 
May He favor the right. 

Satukuav, Mav 28. — The road crossing the creek passes 
east from our camp. Out on this road, or apparentU' a little 
to the south of it, lieavy musketry was heard last night. 
This morning heavy skirmishing is heard along that part of 
our lines. A general engagement is anticipated. All our 
army is now in position. On the extreme right is the 1 stii 
and i6th Corps, under General McPherson. Then comes 
General J. C. Davis, 2d Division of the 14th Corps. Next 
is tlie 20th Corps, under General Hooker. Tlien we have 
the 1st and j,d Divisions of the 4th Corps. Then comes the 
1st l^ivision, under General Johnson, of the 14th Corps. 
Then we have the 2d and 3d Divisions, of the 23d Corps. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 



:ni 



The 3d Division, General Baird, of the 14th Corps, and the 
1st Division, General Hovev, of the 23d Corps, are in the 
rear, guarding trains. 

The skirmishing of the morning does not increase, 
but seems to die awav. In the afternoon, in company 
with Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, Surgeon Holtzman, and 
Lieutenant and Acting Qiiartermaster Torrence, I rode 
towards the front. When I heard the tirst ball whizz I 
stopped with Dr. Holtzman. As I had no business, nor 
even curiosity in reference to the extreme front, and had 
seen fighting and heard balls whizz many a time before, I 
did not think it necessary to crowd into useless danger, that 
...™^ I may be called brave. When 

I die I want to be at the post 
of duty. Men often expose 
themselves through sheer cow- 
ardice. 

We found many graves in 
the woods. Most of them are 
Hooker's men, killed in the 
engagement of the 25th. It 
seems that there was but one 
Division of the 20th Corps 
engaged. They must have 
fought well, for thev drove the 
enemv and lield their ifround. 
Our lines have been advanced but little, as Hooker found 
the enemy's entrenchments on the night above named. 
Skirmishing is going on all the time. Wounded men are 
constantly coming back to the hospitals. The number of 




CAPTMX HKNRY TORRENCE, 

Company D. 



* Was mustered in as Qj\arterniaster- Sergeant. November 12, 1S61, pro- 
moted Second Lieutenant CJonipany D, April 13th, 1S63. to First Lieutenant 
November 4, 1S63, to Captain March i, 1S65. After his army service he 
returned to his old home in Xenia, Ohio, and engaged in mercantile business. 
He served a term as Recorder of Greene county, and was for some time 
Chairman of the Republican Central Committee of that county. Captain 
Torrence vvas a prominent and influential citizen of his native town and 
county, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. His death, which 
occurred September 16, iSSi, was a cause of profound sorrow to his manv 
friends and comrades. 



n\'2 CHAPLATX HTGHT'S IITSTOI^Y OF THE 

men killed and wounded during the 25th, 26th, 27th, and 
to-day, is very large. Wood's Division was repulsed yes- 
terday. From an inspection of the grounds, and from the 
statements and opinions of men on the held, I am impressed 
that we have gone as far as we can, even by charging. A 
flank movement of some kind should now be made. The 
works might be taken by storming ; but suppose we were to 
fail, what then? I can not believe General Sherman will 
trv it. We had a good prav^er meeting in the evening. 

We all anticipated a quiet Sabbath. No assault on the 
enemv's stronghold, on this day, was anticipated. In this, 
we were not disappointed. But we were not permitted to 
remain quietlv in camp, as we were ordered to Burnt 
Hickory, about the middle of the forenoon. As all the 
trains seemed to have similar orders, it was three p. m. 
before we began to move. Even then, we passed thousands 
of vvai*'ons standin<i' with the mules harnessed. We have 
about as much transportation as of old. But there is not so 
much trash hauled. Still, there are a few hundred wagon 
loads, chiefly at the various headquarters, which might 
profitably be burned. 

Our march was very slow at first. But, soon becoming 
disentangled tVom the long trains, we moved along lively. 

After reaching Burnt Hickory we turned out into the 
Marietta road, and camped not far from our camp of the 
25th inst. 

Skirmishing is a dailv and nighth' atfair now. Some- 
times the firing increases to a general engagement on some 
parts of the line. 

In the afternoon of Tuesday, May 3d, I preached before 
the 80th Indiana. The men were assembled by a few taps of 
the bass drum, and by a call from the Major, ?'Come up to 
church." The gathering was upon the hillside, under the 
shade of the oaks. The soldiers were routrh, but not crim- 
inal, in looks. They gave careful and serious attention to 
every word. If I can not accomplish good by preaching on 
"Prepare to Meet Thy God" to such a congregation, under 



FIFTY-EIGHTJI INDIANA KEUIMENT. :{18 

these circumstances, I can not do any good by preaching. 
The Both Indiana was made up in the First Congressional 
District, and is composed of splendid material. They have 
seen hard service recently. Thev have marched from Mossy 
Creek Station. The}^ were severely engaged at the battle of 
Oostanaula, losino- some of their best men. Amon^r them 
was William Archer, of Princeton, whom I married to an 
estimable young lady — Miss Jane King. Recently they 
have been in the front, and have had a few wounded. They 
are now resting in the rear. The men are well tanned and 
greatl}^ fatigued. Mav heaven smile upon these bronzed 
heroes. 

Major Downey returned tiiis morning witli Companies A 
and F. They have been out about eight miles to cut timber 
for the obstruction of the road. They report that they cut 
timber in the roads for a hundred yards or more. The rebel 
cavalry can not get in now, without one of three expedients 
being resorted to : ist, go some other road ; 2d, pa^s 
through the field along bv the side of this fallen timber; or, 
3d, cut away the trees, which would take an hundred axes 
nearly half an hour. I inquired of the Major whether he 
had left our own cavalrv on the outside of the fallen timber. 
Surely we would be utterlv undone if that were so. 

The remainder of the Regiment, under Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Moore, who are out in another direction, has not 
returned. Perhaps they are like the man wlio stood on the 
limb and cut it oif. They may be on the thither side of the 
obstructions I 

The signs of the political world are favorabk^. A respect- 
able, though halting, anti-slaverv partv ha^ been organized 
in Kentucky. Doctor Rreckenridge and Chaplain Bristow 
took anti-slavery grounds in the convention. But most of 
the delegates hesitate. Even this much is a triumph. Del- 
egates were appointed to the Republican Na ional Conven- 
tion. Tlie Radical Convention, of Mi;souri, which was 
expected to throw fire-brands into the ranks, has voted to 
send delegates to the same convention. All things seem to 



;{U CHAPLAIN HKIHT'S HISTOHV OF THK 

hv workinjf towards the renomination ot Abraham Lincohi. 
He will be triumphantly elected. 

The campaign west of the Mississippi has resulted disas- 
trously to our arms. But steps have been taken to retrieve 
these disasters. In the East, General (jrant has been suc- 
cessful, thus far. But his progress has been slow, and every 
step has been in blood. There is a prospect of the capture 
of Riciimond. General Sherman's advance has been like 
General Grant's. The fate of the Union is now being 
decided. If Richmond and Atlanta fall, so does the South- 
ern Confederacy. 

Thursday, June 2. — Companies A and F marched early 
this morning, under Major Downey, to repair \"aughan's 
Ferry. The remainder of the Regiment, under Lieutenant- 
Colonel Moore, returned from their obstructing tour. They 
had been some twenty miles on the lett, into a tine country. 
They obstructed roads and cut down bridges. This is pre- 
paratory to a movement to the left. At one house a squad 
of our men were very much taken with surprise, by being 
treated so kindly. The lady desired them to stay lor din- 
ner, but they did not have time. She then began loading 
them down with every species of good things to eat. Our 
boys were so little accustomed to kind treatment that they 
were impressed that there was some mistake. . And so there 
was. The lady mistook them for Conlederates I The boys 
told her they were Yankees. But she had never seen any, 
and refused to believe them. She thought the boys were 
only joking. So she continued her deeds of kindness until 
the\' departed, leaving her in blissful ignorance. 

About noon tents were struck, and the entire train moved 
out on the Vaughan Ferry road. We crossed the Pumpkin 
Vine Creek, and submitted to a drenching rain on the other 
side. After the men had fixed the ferry, and repaired the 
ro.uN. we camped, near wStarns' Creek. 

Friday, Jim-: .>. — One hundred men from the 58th, and 
some otlior di^tails tVom the Pioneers, all inider Lieutenant 
Ilunlingtoii, constructed a ]">ri(lge over Pumpkin \'iiu> Creek, 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA I{E(;iMEXT. :n 5 

near Vaughan's Ferrv. It is seventy-tive feet long. 
Another detail, under Lieutenant Murray, constructed a sub- 
stantial bridge over Starns' Creek. 

Colonel Buell is ordered to march his command to Alla- 
toona, and repair the roads as he goes, and we march at 
eleven a. m. The rain is falling, and, as the road lits 
through a marsh\' plain, the travel is bad. 

Our general course is northeast. Having gone a few- 
miles, we leave the road to Allatoona, and turn ofl' to the 
inevitable Pumpkin Vine Creek. On the banks of this 
stream we camp, in a wheat field and pine thicket. A bridge 
is immediately commenced. 

Sunday, June 5. — The Sabbath morning was gloomv. I 
lay until near noon under my shelter, meditating on John 
5 :24, "God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must wor- 
ship Him in spirit and truth." 

About noon the march towards Allatoona was resumed. 
Companies A, F and D were left, under command of Major 
Downey, to complete the bridge. After all the trestles were 
up, save one bent, it fell down, but killed nobody. Cause : 
The pins had not been put in I A Sergeant in charge 
declared, "I knew a circumstance just like that once before" 
"A wayfaring man, though a fool," would have pinned as 
he went. 

The clouds broke away. The sun resumed his wonted 
splendor. We passed a part of the road where but few of 
our men had passed. The train dragged heavily. Many of 
the mules had had no corn for five days. They were very 
poor when we started. A number of wagons did not reach 
camp, and some of the mules died. 

Allatoona is a deserted village, at the rear of the Allatoona 
Hills. General Sherman flanked General Johnson out of 
this position, by moving to the right. 

Stopping an hour at Allatoona for supper, we finished our 
march bv night. We stowed ourselves awav on a hillside, 
near the Etowah river, for sleep. Here we experience the 
disagreeable sensation of trying to sleep while slipping dov^n 



HHi CHAPLAIN HKIHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

tlie hill. But even this is more pleasant than a conscience 
ill at ease. For the guilty man there is no rest. "The way 
of the transgressor is hard." 

Monday, June 6. — Early this morning we moved our 
train to the river bank, near the railroad. The men were 
encamped in an open field and the train parked on the river 
bank. Under a wide-spreading walnut tree our Regimental 
headquarters are pitched. 

This is a romantic spot. On this side of the river there is 
a basin, surrounded by the Allatoona Hills. Through this 
basin the railroad runs, there being a fill of about fort}^ or 
fifty feet. Into this valley General Johnson attempted to 
draw General Sherman. But Sherman has been about too 
much to be thus easily drawn in. On the other side of the 
river there are two hills, with the railroad running between. 
The one south of the railroad is the lower, and has some 
fortification on its summit. It is about ninet3^-five feet abov^e 
the river. The hill north of the railroad must be two hun- 
dred feet hi<rh, and has a fort on its summit. In addition to 
this there is a long line of rifle works. These hills aflbrd a 
good protection for the railroad bridge. Though, if I were 
going to perpetrate a bull, I might add that the bridge which 
thev defend, is destroyed. To-day, Colonel Wright's re- 
pairing corps commence the reconstruction of the bridge. 
The trestle for the bridgfe will reach sixtv-five feet above the 
river. Two sets of hands — one on each end — are working. 
Every man has his part assigned him. There is no con- 
fusion. No one seems to be in a hurry, yet the work goes 
rapidly forward. 

Three pontoons are put in the river, just below the rail- 
road crossing, during the day. Yet there were no wagons 
or troops passed during the day, except cavalry. 

Tuesday, Jumc 7. — In the early part of the day there was 
comparative (juiet about the station. But long trains ot 
empty wagons from the front, began pouring in. They 
were rapidlv passed over and moved otT to Cartersville, the 
dej-)()t of su]->plies for the arniN'. Soon troops Irom liie rear 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 317 

began to come in on the other side of the river. They 
proved to be a portion of the 17th Corps, under General 
F. P. Blair. They came up the Mississippi river and landed 
at Cairo, and vicinity, in March last. Here, they remained 
until about May ist. They were then transported up the 
Tennessee to Clifton. They left this point, on the 9th of the 
month, and passed through Huntsville, Decatur and Rome. 
General Blair assumed command at Huntsville. 

A few of the troops, and many of the wagons, crossed 
to-dav. The train is verv long and the wagons are in good 
repair. The mules are much superior to those in the Army 
of the Cumberland. Evidently, they were never about 
Chattanooga. There were a number of negro women and 
children in the train. The women are almost, and the chil- 
dren entirely, useless. Women must often be hauled on the 
alread}' overloaded wagons. And, then they are such 
creatures to collect baggage. You have noticed them at 
home, with their trunks, bandboxes, bundles and babies. It 
takes all their male acquaintances to help them on the train. 
The negro women in the army have the same failing. They 
have more baggage than the officers. 

Wednesday, June 8. — Yesterday, Dr. Holtzman went to 
Chattanooga to take medical charge of the Pioneer Brigade, 
vice Dr. Fuller, whose time shortly expires. 

The remainder of General Blair's command crossed the 
river this morning. Some of the Regiments are very large, 
and there are quite a number of brass bands in the Corps. 

In the afternoon I rode up to the iron works, from three 
to six miles above Etowah Station. All the workshops have 
been burned. The families of the workmen are now being 
removed, preparatory to the destruction of their houses. I 
am opposed to this arson. I cannot better give my reasons 
than by a short description of the works. 

Passing under the railroad bridge on the right bank, we 
continue to travel on a good wagon road, along the bank. 
A branch railroad runs to the foundries. There is a high 
range of hills on our left, which are full of iron. The 



318 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE 

Etowah has considerable fall, affording plenty of water 
power. There are building spots in the narrow bottoms and 
on the hills. Stone, for building, of the very best material, 
is abundant. The ore is rich and plenty, in fact, endless. 
There were two furnaces, one of them on Stump Creek. 
Besides these there w^as a rolling mill, large grist mills, saw 
mills, cooper shops, etc. Several hundred hands were 
employed. Munitions of w'ar — shot, mess pans and camp 
kettles, was all that I have heard of their manufacturing. 

I have no means of arriving at the value of these extensive 
and valuable w^orks. But it must not have been less than 
one million dollars. Instead of destro^'inp■ this lar£{e amount 
of property, would it not have been better to have confis- 
cated it, and paid a million of our National debt? And then, 
why impoverish our land by wantonly destroying its wealth ? 
Especially that which kindles a fire in our manufacturing 
establishments. But, more especiall}', why burn down poor 
people's huts? Can it accomplish any good? If we have 
any design of evacuating this position, it might be well to 
destroy as much of these works as mig^ht aid the rebellion. 
But there is no sense in making war on women and children. 
I learn that the stack, dam, etc.. which can not be burned, 
are to be left standing. There is more sense in destroying 
these than in burning the houses of the poor. The order for 
the destruction of this propert}- will demoralize our own 
men. Already pillaging has commenced. Already our cav- 
alry feel at liberty to burn houses. Soon our infantr}- will 
learn the same from their commanders. 

Thursday, June 9. — The army has been laying cjuiet for 
a few days. The order is to march this morning, with ten 
days' rations. General Sherman acts as if he only desired 
to occupy the attention of the enemy, and hold him here. 

Friday, June 10. — The big event of to-day is the raid of 
General Wheeler, in our rear. He has taken Calhoun. No 
trains came in during the early part of the day. 

In keeping with these rumors, preparations are making at 
this post. We have here the 45th Illinois, 58th Indiana, six 



FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 3 19 

companies of Pontoniers, and a few detachments. Small 
bodies of troops are passing at almost all hours of the day. 

Colonel Buell had two little lines of rifle pits constructed. 
One is in the sand, just at the river bank, covering the pon- 
toons. The other is a few hundred feet in advance. 

A Captain came to the right bank of fhe Etowah river, 
to-day, with a large drove of cattle. On the opposite bank 
there is a spring, at which a number of soldiers of our Reg- 
iment were getting water. The Captain, desiring to swim 
his cattle, ordered them away. Either not understanding, or 
not caring for his order, they did not move, whereupon the 
Captain fires at them with a revolver, but does not hit any- 
body. They report to Regimental headquarters, when John 
Whittlesey, with about ten men, is sent to the spring, with 
instructions to guard the water, and, if necessary, deploy 
along the river bank, and hold the position at all hazards. 
Major Downey mounts his horse, in hot haste, dashes across 
the pontoon, arrests the offending Captain, and takes him 
before Colonel Buell. The parties tired upon are called, 
and their testimony taken. The Captain produces an order 
from General Sherman, giving him preference on the roads 
over troops or trains. On this, and the testimony, Colonel 
Buell acquits and justifies the Captain. 

iVIajor Downey returns to his quarter, fired with indigna- 
tion, and boiling over in words, bv no means chaste or com- 
plimentary to Colonel Buell. He prepares an inquir}', 
addressed to the Assistant Adjutant-General of the Depart- 
ment of the Mississippi, stating the facts of the case, and 
asking whether it was the design, in giving this order, to 
authorize firing upon unarmed men, as was done by this 
Captain, and whether Colonel Buell had not exceeded his 
authority. Also requesting that the decision of the Colonel 
be reversed and the Captain be placed under arrest, and an 
opportunit}'- offered to prefer charges against him. This 
paper is taken to Brigade headquarters. Here the matter 
ended. I am not informed exactly how it died, but it is 
dead. 1 will not make any post mortem. 



320 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOBY OF THE 

Tuesday, June 14. — This has been a chiy of exceeding 
loveliness. The rain is over. The air is pleasant, the 
breezes are soothing, and all nature is quiet. Cannonading 
was heard in the morning. We are now nearly twenty 
miles from the front. 

Twenty-iive of our Regiment came up this afternoon. 
They are chiefly men who were wounded at Chickamauga, 
captured and paroled, and are now exchanged. Amongst 
them is Sergeant Keeler, of Compan}' B. He is a most 
excellent man and was always a leading spirit in all our 
meetings. Some days since, about twenty-five others came 
up. The arrival of these men is almost like the raising of 
the dead. Many of them we never expected to meet again 
in the army. After the fatal battle of Chickamauga, our 
camp was exceedingly lonesome, because of the many 
familiar faces which were missing. Most of them had been 
killed. Some are still in Libby Prison. 

Captain William Davis, having been incapacitated for 
active service in the field, by his wounds, has been honor- 
ably discharged from the service by the Secretary of War. 
He was one of our best officers and men. 

I rode two miles from ihe station to Cartersville, on the 
railroad. In its halcyon days this must have been a village 
of 1,200 inhabitants. It is situated in a fertile valley. Even 
now the surrounding lands seem determined to flourish, 
despite the ravages of war. But the effort is vain ; for the 
fences are torn down, and the wheat is being fed to the 
horses and mules. 

The time has never been when Cartersville could boast of 
lier architecture. There are a few houses which w-ere once 
pleasant residences, and there are one or two good churches. 
There are more residents here than in any village I have 
seen in Georgia. " This is owing, in part, to the fact that the 
place was taken from the rear, and the people did not have 
the same chance to nm away, as many did in other towns. 
But it was chiefly caused by bringing the families from the 
iron works. The people arc very poor, dirty, and ignorant. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 821 

General Sherman has captured a courier, bearing a dis- 
patch from Johnson to one Jackson, a rebel cavalr}^ General, 
ordering the latter to capture this point and burn the rail- 
road bridge. Our officers are, there tore, on the lookout. 
Ammunition was distributed to-night, and we were ordered 
to be in line of battle at two p. m. 

Private Patterson W. Wallace preached us an excellent 
sermon this evening, on "Learning of Jesus." This is the 
first time I ever heard him. He took occasion, amongst 
other thoughts, to represent to us that the school of Christ is 
free. He contrasted the free school system of the North 
with the ignorance of the South. He made a very happy 
illustration, and a very good impression on his audience. 

The nomination of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew John- 
son for President and Vice-President, meets my hearts- 
approbation, and the platform adopted is all right. 

The wagon bridge having been rebuilt, the pontoon 
bridges were taken from the river, and in the afternoon of 
June 17, we marched from our camp at Etowah. We were 
reinforced by about fifty pontoon wagons, belonging to 
McPherson's army, and guarded by the 8th Kansas. The 
boats are trestles covered with canvass, similar to ours, but 
the sides are heavier, and have no hinges in the middle. 
All the balk and chess is heavier. It is a better bridge, but 
it must be almost impossible to transport it about the countr}-. 
It is inferior to ours as a field pontoon. This train was reported 
to Colonel Buell and Ibllowed on the march in our rear. 

The road through the Allatoona hills is very bad. The 
almost daily rain, during the present month, and the innum- 
erable wagon trains, have cut up the road very much. 

Sunday, June 19. — We are now in camp near Ackworth, 
having reached this point yesterday afternoon. This morn- 
ing the clouds were light. There was prospect that we 
would not be visited by rain during the day, so I blacked 
my boots, brushed my clothing, put on a paper collar, and 
attempted to look as nice as I could. I do not wish to 
entirely forget the ways of civilization upon the Sabbath 



yL>2 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

day. I passed through the Regiment during the morning, 
and notitied the men that we would have preaching at the 
usvial hour — two p. m. But our plans failed, as usual. 

During the forenoon there came an order directing the six 
companies of Pontoniers, who have been with us since our 
start on this campaign, to return to Chattanooga. The 
detachment of Pioneers is to accompany them. An engin- 
eers' Regiment is being organized there, and this movement 
is to give them an opportunity to enlist in that organization. 

The 58th must take the teams, and attend to both pioneer- 
ing and pontoniering, and there is great excitement in con- 
sequence. A detail of one hundred teamsters, including 
three Sergeants, was made. Most of them volunteered ; 
indeed, I am not sure but all of them did. This detail 
marched from Colonel Buell's quarters, amongst the wagons, 
and snatched for the teams. Now, good teams are exceed- 
ingly scarce in the pontoon train, hence tliere was quite a 
hustling around. 

It is no easy berth to drive a pontoon wagon. The mules 
are poor, as only four pounds of corn is allowed each, per 
day. Many of the wagons are very heavy, especially the 
balk wagons. Most of the new drivers think they will have 
gay times in their new vocation. But alas ! Little do they 
know of the sorrows of mule drivers. Six bony shadows to 
feed, curry and water ; their idiosyncrasies bv dav and by 
night to be borne ; the long, muddy roads to be tramped 
through ; the weary night marching ; the jeers of everybody, 
and the orders of officers — all render mule driving not 

"A consummation devoutly to be wished." 

Lieutenant Wood passed through the Regiment, and made 
a detail of mechanics, to act as a repairing party. He 
selected nearly fifty. 

About noon orders came to march, and at one ]i. m. the 
march began. The Pontoniers are to remain, to give us a 
start. The old teamsters harnessed up and drove out for the 
new hands. We moved on the INIarietta road, which was 
incrediblv bad. Not onlv the old roads, but the entire 



FIFTY-EIGHTH IXDIAXA REGIMENT. ;]2;} 

woods and fields are cut up. We soon come to the old 
camps of our men. Our army moved to these parts from the 
neighborhood of Dallas, and Pumpkin Vine Creek, where we 
left them a few weeks ago. We soon passed a line of 
entrenchments, heavy and substantial, made by our men. 
Not very far in advance of these, we passed another, still 
more substantial, facing a range of mountains, hills and 
ridges. A few days ago these latter were occupied by the 
enemy. On the right is Lost Mountain. Just by us is 
Pine Mountain. Between are hills. A few days ago there 
was severe fighting here. Passing through the last named 
works, we wound up a mountain slope, and camped on the 
other side. So slight was the ascent, that we were almost 
unconscious of being on the mountains. Many of the men 
were ignorant of the fact until subsequent events revealed it 
to them. 

It was after dark, on the 19th, when we pitched our camp, 
in a wet spot, amid the debris of old encampments. It is 
always disagreeable to thus camp, as you do not know how 
much filth is about your habitation. 

I spoke about the idios^nicrasies of mules. I might, with 
much greater propriety, speak of the idiosyncrasies of mule 
drivers. It requires more patience than the majority of men 
possess, to follow this calling, successfully. Hence, the 
profanity of mule drivers has become proverbial. Many of 
them swear most recklessly. But I have yet to observe the 
good accomplished by this. I noticed, on yesterday, and 
during this morning, there were teamsters who would delib- 
erately go and whip their mules. Having none other on 
which to vent their wrath, they would pour out their pent up 
indignation, by lashing their mules. Woe betide the unfor- 
tunate mule whose master is dyspeptic, or ill-tempered. I am 
sure, could these animals speak, that many of them would 
shout, "glory to God," in bidding adieu to their old masters. 
But not all teamsters are deserving of condemnation. Man^' 
of them are exceedingly careful, attentive, and kind, and 
their mules are fat and sleek. 



324 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

The Pioneers and Pontoniers left us to-day. Additional 
details were made to manage the pontoons, and we can get 
along very well. We have about three hundred and fifty 
men, which is sufficient for all purposes. 

Just before our camp is a heavy line of rebel works. The 
rebels are learning every day to depend more on such 
defenses. Were it not for the fact that these works can usually 
be flanked, I do not know what we would do. All our men 
would soon be slaughtered. The earth is so large that there 
is room to pass around the end of the longest entrenchment. 
So, if rivers or mountains are not in the way, our army 
usually flanks the rebels. 

How fast our people are learning war I At Pittsburg 
Landing, Grant had no defenses. If he had, it would have 
saved him from defeat the first day, and saved many from 
death. After being driven to the river bank he constructed 
none. The rebels, on that night, might have made works 
from the river above to the river below, which would have 
defied the impetuosity of Buell's new levies, for a day or 
two. But it was then rather thought discreditable. Entrench- 
ing was only to be resorted to when your army was smaller 
than the enemy. I remember distinctly, when in this army, 
it was thought to be cow^ardl}^ to stand behind a tree in time 
of battle. Now, it is considered a man's duty to shield him- 
self all he can without shrinking from duty. 

I ascended along the rebel works. The mountain side is 
thickly set with a growth of oaks, and a pine here and there. 
Soon I stand upon the summit of Pine Mountain. Most of 
the trees have been cut from the top, and a rebel fort built. 
Here fell Lieutenant-General Polk, of the rebel army, on 
the 14th inst. He was struck in the side by a piece of shell 
and was terribly mangled. Once a shepherd of the fold of 
Christ — a Bishop in the Episcopal Church — he laid aside 
the robes of his holy office, to battle with carnal weapons for 
human slavery. He must have often been smitten by his 
conscience. "He, that being often reproved, liardeneth his 
neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and tliat without remedy." 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 325 

"Do you wish to see his monument?" asks the inscrip- 
tion in St. Paul, London, refering to its builder, Sir Chris- 
topher Wren, "Look about you." Here, over many miles, 
nature's wonders commemorate the greatness of Deity. 
The sun is shining with golden beauty on the Allatoona 
mountains, though clouds shut him from our gaze. The 
regions of Etowah are also illuminated. Thus in life, 
though the present is gloom}', there is sunshine on the 
mountain and the river beyond. Where I now stand, a few 
days since, the proud traitors stood, and looked in scorn upon 
the hated Yankees, in the valley below. They could see 
them by thousands behind their entrenchments. I imagine 
the rebels held these Yankee ditches as much in contempt, as 
Remus did those of Romulus. And perchance the Lieuten- 
ant-General, named above, bethought himself another Jupiter, 
holding in his red right hand the thunderbolt of Divine 
wrath. 

The northern mountain side is torn in many places by the 
shot and shell fired by our guns. The throne of Jupiter is 
much battered. 

North of the mountain, not onh' can be seen Allatoona, 
but many other mountains. Away to the noi'theast, as far 
as sight can pierce, 

"Alps on Alps arise.'' 

To the northwest the land is more level. Ever3^where the 
forest seems almost unbroken. Here and there can be seen 
a cleared field. 

On the mountain there are two signal stations. One on 
the south communicates with Kenesaw Mountain, and 
another on the west with Lost Mountain. The latter's flag, 
swinging against the clear sky, is black ; the former's, hav- 
ing an earthly background, is white. Lost Mountain must 
be about ten miles to the right. It is well named, for it 
stands without a fellow. 

Southward a grand scene opens upon our view. In front 
of Lost Mountain there are innumerable chains of hills and 
ridges. Hid away in some of these, from our view, is the 



326 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Chattahoochee river. Ten miles in front of us, on a com- 
manding hill, is the Georgia Military College. It seems, at 
this distance, a magnificent building. It stands in an open 
space, with a few shade trees and out-buildings surrounding. 
This side of the college there are a few house tops, which I 
suppose mark the site of Marietta, concealed from our view. 
Just to the left of the college, and apparently six miles from 
us, is a hill, and then the twin mountains — Kenesaw. The 
one upon the left is the higher. Each is stripped of foliage 
at the summit, save a few scrubby brush, and one tall tree 
upon the left mountain, reserved, no doubt, for a lookout. 
The sides of these mountains are very rocky. On the tops 
the rebel parapets mav be seen with the naked eye. 

Still to the left, and farther away, there are mountain 
ranges, connecting Kenesaw with the great mountain chains 
of Tennessee, Carolina, and Virginia. Nearer where we 
stand, there is a constant succession of hills and valleys. 
Though heavily timbered, there are some open spots. On 
the left is the railroad. In front, in a long line of about ten 
miles, may be seen the entrenchments and tents of Sher- 
man's armv. Through the opening, here and there, winds 
the long, sluggish wagon train, bearing rations or ammuni- 
tion to the front, or wounded to the rear. 

The winds are gently playing in the mountain pines. The 
fleecy clouds are flying athwart the skv. Now they 
thicken, and while nature scatters from one hand the sun- 
shine, from the other the baptism of water is poured on hill 
and valley. 

But hark : 

'• 'Tis the cannon's loud roar,"' 

and tile crash ot musketry, that falls upon our ears ! 
"Lol from the regions of the North 

The red'ning storm of battle pours, 
Rolls along the trembling earth, 

And fastens on Corinthian towersl" 

From early morning until night the cannonading- 
increased. During a part of the afternoon it raged furi- 
ously. When darkness came the flash of the guns could be 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 327 

distinctly traced. The musketiy was only hea^'y skirmish- 
ing. It is grand beyond any description, thus to look upon 
the battle, and I sat and gazed for several hours upon this 
scene. Our army appeared to advance a little upon the 
right, but no disposition was manifested, upon either part, to 
press the battle. How strange, that man will thus disturb 
the beauty and repose of nature ! 

Tuesday, June 21. — After the fashion of the times, we 
have had showers to-day. Though we are on the moun- 
tains, we are in the mud. 

The fury of the battle increases to-day. It burst forth 
during the forenoon and raged until dark. Indeed, there 
was neither beginning nor ending. There is no moment, of 
either day or night, when there is an entire cessation of 
musketry. 

The fighting is more to the right, and seemingly more 
advanced. The country is full of entrenchments, con- 
structed by Governor Brown's pioneers for the army. 
When the rebels are driven from one line, they fall back to 
another. This makes hard work for our army. 

This morning we had pontoon drill, by the four Companies 
of the Regiment who are to serve as Pontoniers, The vari- 
ous squads of men are numbered in sections, each with a dis- 
tinct duty. One section carries "balk," another "chess," 
another ties the "lashings," etc. The men learn very fast, 
and soon will make excellent Pontoniers. The Pontoniers 
who have just left us are generally lazy. Our men are 
American farmer boys, and are naturally intelligent and 
industrious. 

Whisky rations are issued to the men. This is quite com- 
mon in the army at present. The uncommon exposure of 
our soldiers has led the commissary department to procure 
stimulants for them. The idea prevails with many, that men 
can endure more when they have whisky. This idea is 
common with those who are the victims of that lassitude 
which follows intoxication. But men who abstain entirely 
from strong drink can endure far more than those who use 



;{2!l CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

stimulants. To them, the heat of summer, the cold of win- 
ter, the damp entrenchment, and the battle long protracted, 
are not so trying as to the victims of intoxication. The tem- 
perate man retains, undiminished, the lorce of nature, while 
whisky shatters and destroys the constitution. As a medi- 
cine, it may be useful, but in every other case it is an evil. 

Officers and men who are under the influence of whisky 
are unfit for their duties. Battles hav^e been lost, and men 
slaughtered, by whisky. There are hundreds of men now 
in their graves, who have been killed in battle, either because 
they or their officers were drunk. 

I rode down on the battlefield this afternoon. The rebels 
had line alter line of heavy works, and face in almost every 
direction. Our men seem to have fought from almost every 
point of the compass. The trees are torn by big and little 
shot. As one rides through these forests, it seems that no 
one could pass through such a storm of battle, as lately swept 
here, without having a charmed life. 

I fell in with a scout, who was in Marietta yesterday. He 
estimates the rebel forces at 80,000, including 15,000 Geor- 
gia militia. The}^ are well clothed and fed, for rebels, and 
are in excellent spirits. The}- seem to manifest no disposi- 
tion to evacuate. They do not like the nomination of 
Andrew Johnson for Vice-President. The}' regard him as a 
traitor to the South. 

Major Downey, Dr. Iloltzman, Lieutenant Milburn, the 
band, and a few men, came up from Chattanooga on the 23d 
and joined the Regiment. They had charge of a few valises 
— among them was mine — and some other items. This side 
of Dalton a portion of the train, containing this propert}'-, 
was deserted. Major Downey and his crew abandoned his 
charge, with two guards. The rebels plundered the train, 
carrying ofl' the valises. 

Saturday, June 25. — AtkM- breakfast. Dr. Iloltzman and 
I mounted our horses and rode to Big Shanty, which is the 
depot for the Army of Tennessee. The station is said to 
have been named from the shanty — 40x70 feet — built here 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 329 

by the contractor, who graded this portion of the raih^oad. 
This was the biggest shanty then in these parts. There 
were innumerable trains about the depot. We could see no 
end to wagons in any direction. 

We next rode to General Thomas' headquarters, which 
we found to be in motion. They were pitched a half mile 
to the right of General Howard's, and the Marietta and 
Dallas road. By order of Colonel Buell, we selected a camp 
a mile in the rear for the Pontoon train, and then returned to 
camp by a short route. There has been some firing, but no 
general or special engagements, to-day. 

Sunday, June 26. — At twelve m. we marched to the new 
camp selected yesterda}'. We are now within cannon range 
of the enemy. We camped near the hospitals of Newton's 
and Wood's Division. I preached at the 2d Brigade, 2d 
Division, hospital. T stood by the roadside, and began 
declaiming on "Prepare to Meet Thy God." A storm was 
threatening, and as many of the wounded were laying about 
outdoors, there was some confusion caused by carrying 
them in. Worse than this, in the midst of my holding forth, 
two wagon trains met upon the road, and had no little jam- 
ming and crowding to pass each other. One teamster, think- 
ing to shine above his fellows, had hung tinkling bells about 
his mules. He jingled several heads out of my discourse, 
but what the congregation lost in preaching, they gained in 
the prettv music of the bells, and the ejaculations of the 
teamsters. * 

Monday, June 27. — It was early rumored that there was 
to be a grand charge on the rebel works, on Kenesaw 
Mountain, at eight a. m. This filled m'^ with misgivings, 
for I not only feared a repulse, but a coiuUer-charge, in the 
confusion which must ensue. Our train was close enough 
to be captured in such an event. Taking as good a position 
as possible, I waited to see or hear the charge. In the early 
morning there was considerable cannonading and musketry, 
preliminary to the grand charge that took place at nine 
o'clock. Our loss was about 1,800 men ; among them was 



;{:{0 CHAPLAIN EIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE 

the gallant General Harker, who tVll mortally wounded. 
We were repulsed, and there was nothing gained by this 
great sacrifice. It was very disheartening to our troops. 
The impression now is that we cannot take their works bv 
storm. 

In company with Dr. lioltzman and Sergeant Farmer, I 
rode to Ackworth, ten miles. We turned to the right a 
mile in the rear of our camp, and passed between Lost and 
Pine Mountains. There w^ere no troops on the road, but 
there were straggling Yankees all the w^ay. Here were two 
or three in a house, talking to the people. Here is another 
washing himself in a creek. Here are two running a mill. 
Wandering about the fields might be seen the inevitable mule 
drivers, hunting' cane and green apples. Both are scarce. 
We stopped a few moments at Widow Hull's. This good 
woman is poor in spirit. Her eldest son — aged seventeen — 
went off a few^ wrecks ago, with the Georgia militia. He 
thought that the task of driving off the Yankees would be 
short. Then he could return, like a true patriot, to the 
parental root. But the tide of war swept by, destroying his 
mother's farm, and bearing him away. Wliere he will go 
and what will be his destiny, none can tell. May God pity 
all such youths. 

Speaking of Dr. Holtzman, I remember very well the 
morning when he joined the Regiment, soon after the battle 
of Shiloh. 1 was the onh' man in it with whom he was 
acquainted. He had been laboring the preceding dav to 
reach the Regiment. He had sold his trunk, and sacrificed 
a can of peaches sent me by my sister, Mrs. Mar}' Legg. 
He had drawn a horse from a Qiiartermaster and came with 
two carpet bags. He called at several headquarters on his 
way, hunting for the "58th Indiana \"olunteers." It was 
nearly night when he reached General Buell's, and, with a 
d Miiocratic frankness, in keeping with one fresh from the 
people, asked for the privilege of staving all night I The 
astonished and courteous Adjutant, Colonel Fry, forgetting 
hiinsrlf, asked: "Who the devil are vou?" "I think," 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEdlMKNT. .'{.'M 

added General Buell, "that you had better report to your 
command, sir, iuiiucdiatch' ! " The new Surgeon did not 
stand on the order ot' his going, but went. He wandered 
about, stumbling over guard lines, until he came to a friend, 
who kindly gave him a bed under a wagon until morning. 
Such are the trials and tribulations of the innocent. Dr. 
Iloltzman knows more now. He ^vouId not think of asking 
a Major-General for the privilege of staving all night in his 
tent. 

General Harker, whose death has been noted, was an 
accomplished and gallant officer. In the morning of June 
27th, he led his Brigade in the deadly charge on Kenesaw. 
When in about thirty vards of the enemy's works, there was 
a slight wavering in our lines. He turned to Lieutenant 
Zack Jones, of his staff, and gave command for the bugler 
to sound "Forward I " When Lieutenant Jones turned his 
head, Harker had fallen, pierced through the arm and into 
the chest. After much labor he was borne from the field. 
After leaving some messages he expired. A neat coffin was 
made by our Regimental mechanics, and his bodv was 
embalmed as well as it could be here, and the remains sent 
to his friends. He was a very brave man and was always 
at his post. 

Thursday, June 30. — Our people seem to be pretty- well 
satisfied with assaulting the enemy's works. There was 
heavy cannonading yesterday. Late in the afternoon our 
guns made the dust rise in clouds from about the summit of 
Kenesaw. The popping of guns did not abate at nightfall. 
I must have heard five hundred reports of cannon, while we 
were at meeting in the evening. I was awakened at two 
this morning by the loudest roar of musketrv that I had 
heard during this campaign. Orders were issued for har- 
nessing the mules, and a detail was made of Pioneers to pre- 
cede the train in case of a march. But the clatter ceased 
soon. I iiave not learned the particulars. 

Lieutenant Williams, of Colonel Buell's stafT, returned 
this evening from Chattanooga, whither he went to escort 



832 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

the body of Colonel Bartleston, of the looth Illinois Volun- 
teers, who was another gallant officer killed in the charge on 
Kenesaw. At Shiloh he lost his left arm. At Chicka- 
mauga he was captured. He returned recently to his Regi- 
ment from Libbv Prison. When killed, he was Division 
Officer of the Da}', and was in advance of the skirmish line, 
on his horse. He fell, pierced by the ball of a sharpshooter. 

At two p. m. this morning a very strange and interesting 
occurrence happened in camp. Corporal Vincent McPaul, 
of Company D, dreamed that we were encamped under 
some great shelving rocks. He thought they were about to 
fall on the camp of Compan}' D. He began a most hideous 
yelling, that awoke everyone in camp. Men who had slept 
undisturbed in the roar of battle, were aroused. He jumped 
on Sergeants Benjamin Laswell and Barrett and made strong 
efforts to save them, and then bounded into "I" street, before 
he was secured and awakened. B}^ this time, everybody 
was awake. The news spreading from one to another, there 
was a great burst of mirthfulness. Loud laughter rang on 
the still night, until the voice of Major Downey commanded 
silence. McPaul has been troubled with such dreams since 
he was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. 

Saturday, July 2. — A grand movement began to-day, 
involving, perhaps, the entire separation of McPherson's 
and Thomas' armies. The former began moving to the 
right, a part of his forces. General Thomas says that he 
can defeat Johnson's army. After McPherson and Scho- 
field go, Johnson may attack Thomas in front. If he does, 
he will be repulsed. He may move on our flanks. Defeat 
must even then befall him. There is no hope for the rebels 
but in flight. 

Our present camp had been constructed in almost any 
style. This afternoon orders were issued to straighten up 
the tents and police the quarters. "We are going to move," 
said the men. "W^henever they begin to tix up camp, we 
are sure to move." This is a common remark amongst the 
soldiers on such occasions. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 3:5:5 

Sunday, July 3. — The dav dawned on us in genuine Julv 
style. Near our camp the Army of the Tennessee was still 
rolling by in a continual stream. Rumors began to prevail 
that the enemy was gone, which proved to be true. They 
could not endure flanking. We soon received orders to 
march at eleven a. m. I improve the morning hours by 
preaching a sermon. Most of the men were engaged and 
could not attend. But a respectable congregation assembled. 
I felt (as is usual with me in camp) libert}^ in preaching the 
gospel. I felt satisfied all day because I had preached. 
When an3'thing prevents our usual meetings on the Sabbath 
day, I am tormented by many misgivings. 

The march to Marietta was greatly retarded b}^ the long 
trains crowding in that direction. We passed an intricate 
labyrinth of field works, constructed by our army. Some of 
them were strong, and some mere shadows of protection. 
They were made as our men gained the ground. Our 
troops had left them and gone forward. But sad memorials 
were left behind in the graves of our gallant dead. Great 
was the slauirhter of the brave in the battle of Kenesaw. 
They are usually interred together, fifty or more in a spot. 
The killed upon the field sleep amongst the works. And 
then wherever a hospital remains for a day or two there is a 
grave yard. Each man is laid away as decently as time and 
circumstances will permit. Tiie blanket which warmed him 
when living is wrapped about the soldier's lifeless lorm. 
The sunburnt survivors place some boards, or sticks, to pro- 
tect him from rude contact with the earth. The soil is gently 
laid upon the bosom of the dead, while a few silent tears 
steal down the rough cheeks of some long-tried comrades. 
A board — a mere fragment of a cracker or ammunition box 
— is placed at his head, telling the name, Compan}^ I^^S^" 
ment, and day of death. The Chaplain offers up prayers to 
God for the far-off' household, where the anguish of the sad 
death will soon intrude itself, and for those who stand about 
the newly made grave. There was some ingenious carving 
on some of these headboards. In the lontj hours of our 



H'U CHAPLAIX HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THi: 

patient waiting before the Kenesaw, men had found time to 
carve most handsome!}', not only the name, but also striking 
devices. These memorials are onh' a little shorter lived than 
those of stone, erected at home. 

We passed along the lines until we came to the spot where 
the grand charge of the 27th ult. had been made. Here a 
sight, such as I had never beheld, presented itself to my 
view. I had stood upon many battletields, but never had I 
seen one where the missiles of death had played such havoc 
amongst the timber. It was where General J. C. Davis' 
Division fought. Our works approached within nineteen 
steps of those of the rebels. The trees were as thick with bul- 
let marks as flies upon a sugar barrel. A little chestnut, five 
inches in diameter, was chopped to shreds. A large chest- 
nut tree, with the help of one solid shot, had been cut down 
b}^ bullets. The arms of the ugly abatis — formed bv thrust- 
ing green sticks an inch and a half in diameter, and two 
yards long, with sharpened points, at right angles, and at a 
distance of three inches apart, through thirty-foot green logs 
about five to ten inches in diameter — were shot into brooms. 
One would serve to sweep a tent. In the logs, designed to 
protect the rebel heads, the bullet marks were seen by thou- 
sands. The headboards of some poor fellows who had fallen 
between the works, and had been buried under a flag of 
truce, were shivered by the balls. 

The work of the rebels here is a lunette, crowning the 
summit of a hill. It is very solid, and was evidently made 
before the Yankees came. In front it is well protected by 
a strong abatis, described above. In tiie rear there is an 
open way, dug for the protection of the combatants passing 
in and out. There are all kinds of protections, such as 
ingenuity or fear prescribed. Still farther in the rear there 
are other lines of works, made since the great charge. 

"A deep tangled wild wood" 

hid the rebels from our men. But the deadly charge had 
been determined. Those who were fated to lead the forlorn 
hope, ate their morning meal as men ;\yv wont to do in the 



FIFTY-P:IGHTH INDIAXA KEGIMENT. 385 

house of death. The trains are sent to the rear. The 
charging Divisions are massed. At nine a. m. our skirmish 
line advances, driving that of the rebels before. Behind it 
comes the solid lines of battle, with guns uncapped and bay- 
onets lixed. Down the hill, on which stood the supporting 
lines, and bravely np the next, where death stood ready 
to welcome them, rolled the wave of battle. Fast and thick 
upon the hillside fell the dead and wounded. Harker, 
swinging high his hat in air, and calling to his men to follow, 
fell, mortallv wounded, from his gallant steed. Some fal- 
tered, but the bravest pressed on. 

The lines were lost in the woods. The abatis checked the 
advance. The well protected rebels stood bravely at their 
works. But the race of heroes is not extinct. The banner 
of beauty and of glory is planted on the enem^^'s works. A 
moment more, and the tide of battle would have swept over 
the rebel lunette, and rolled through their lines, like the 
waters of the Mississippi through a crevasse. But there is 
a point where humanity can do no more. God has set 
bounds to man's endurance. In His providence. He said 
this day to our battle ocean : "Thus far shalt thou go, and 
here shall thv proud waves be stayed." The loyal wave, 
having lashed its fury on the devoted hill, and left its high 
water mark of blood, recedes, but not within its former 
bounds. Ground is gained, and bravely held. By filling 
pork barrels and cracker boxes with dirt and stone, and, 
crowding them before the sappers and miners, a still nearer 
approach is made. Already a mine had been dug about fif- 
teen feet towards the rebels. Had the 3^ remained a little 
longer, they would have been blown up. 

I have learned the explanation of the terrible firing on the 
morning of June 30th. Some men in Davis' Division called 
out aloud, "Forward I Guide center! Double Quick! 
March!" The rebels, thinking the Yankees upon them, 
began firing turioush'. Our men, laboring under the same 
delusion in reference to the rebels, responded with much 
vigor. The firing passed along the line, the cannons 



.■{.'{6 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE 

loudly roar, and a great noise was kept up for an hoiu\ Was 
there ever an^^thing more ridiculous? So completely were 
both parties convinced of their folly, that there was an almost 
an entire cessation of the firino- from that time to the evacu- 
ation. 

The fighting was done amongst the hills and woods. 
Georgia, thus far, is a land of barren oak hills, thinly popu- 
lated, and generally covered with the native forests. 

We found some little evidences of man's presence, as we 
drew near to Marietta. We soon entered the town, and rode 
along one of the main streets to the public square. In the 
suburbs, at a house where we stopped to get a drink at the 
well, there was a respectable looking, elderlv lady, neatly 
dressed, sitting in the door wa}-, with a a sad countenance. 
She was now reaping some of the fruits of rebellion. There 
were inhabitants in some of the other houses. 

We camped in the town, in the yard of an ex-governor of 
the State, but "his excellency" was not at home. A ver}^ 
foolish and abortive effort was made to prevent the men from 
tearing dowai the plank fence to make bunks of. They were 
permitted to tear down, with impunitv, the poor man's cabin 
and fences where we last encamped. "Yes, yes," said the 
judge, "circumstances alter cases. 

After supper I took a walk about Marietta. Tt is by tar 
the finest tow^n that I had seen in the State. The people 
never had committed the foll3% so common in the North, of 
felling the native forests. The vards are large, and shaded 
by trees ol native growth. Inhere are several long and beau- 
tiful streets, with shady sidewalks. The dwelling houses 
were not of the highest style of architecture, but large, airy, 
with large columns in front. 

There are a number of respectable churches in tlie \illag(.\ 
I noticed alr(\ui\' some of them are aj^jiroprialed h\ tiie med- 
ical department. This is right, in times of emergency. l>ut 
wlien tliese pass away, churches should be exclusively devoted 
to the worship of God. There is a large number of empty 
store rooms, which will be a great convenience to our lolks. 



Fifty-eighth india^'a regimext. 



We spent but a single night in this delightful town, and 
under the ex-governor's line trees. The men, with com- 
mendable zeal, fixed up snug quarters, and busy brooms this 
morning freshened the green carpet. "We are going to 
move," said the soldiers. And so we did. About the mid- 
dle of the afternoon, we moved two miles, and camped near 
the railroad. I paid a short visit to the militarv college 
referred to in a preceding page. From Pine Mountain, it 
looked like a magniticent building, but when vou come 
nearer you Hnd it quite a tame aftair. The building itself is 
three stories high, but is not constructed after any of the 

orders of architecture 
that I ever heard of. 
The chapel, halls and 
rooms are all emptv, 
save a few benches, 
and an air of desola- 
tion pervades the estab- 
lishment. 

By climbing to the 
root", I had an enlarijed 
siglit of the country. 
To the rear, I could 
see the Allatoona and 
Kenesaw mountains. 
Pine and Lost moun- 
ains, and all the inter- 
vening countr}', were 
also in view. In front, 
a vast panorama of liills and wt)()d.-; spread before my eyes. 
On the lel't, an immense dust, and the smoke rising from the 
occasional discharge of a cannon, told of the whereabouts of 




GILBERT ARMSTRONG."-* 

Sergeant Company E. 



* Was mustered in with tiie Regiment at Camp Gibson, and was with the 
Regiment until the battle of" Chickamauga, when he was severely wounded. 
After the completion of his three years' term of service, he returned to his 
former home in Dubois county. His death occurred several rears after. 
The gun shown in the cut is the Henry rifle, presented to him by some of his 
friends in the Re<riment, for braverv shown in the battle of Stone River. 



.138 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

the retreating foe. Still farther beyond, the proud form of 
Stone Mountain towered above the hills. 

We passed through a fine plantation — right through the 
yard. I never drank tiner water than I obtained from the 
well. The old planter was sitting under the tall columns, 
viewing quietly the passing cavalcade. The army is mov- 
ing forward all day. The position occupied by the enemy 
last night is evacuated. Late in the afternoon we moved 
near a mile. We had no orders, but the Colonel desires to 
be doing something. 

Wednesday, July 6. — Near midnight I heard an order 
come to Colonel Moore to be ready to march at tour a. m., 
and in a few minutes it was changed to one a.m. We were 
ordered out at midnight. Some made a little coft'ee, but 
most did not. The night was dark, and our new teamsters 
experienced no little difficultv in getting through a dark 
strip of woods into the main road. By five a. m. we reported 
to General Woods, near Pace's Ferry, on the Chattahoochee 
river. Here we found the rebels in strong force, and pre- 
pared to resist our crossing. While waiting for orders 
here, I rode up on a hill, and saw Atlanta, eleven miles 
distant, and all the surrounding regions. There was 
a man hanging by a strip of hickory bark, on the same 
hill. lie wore rebel clothes., and had been found hang- 
ing there when our men came. There were man}^ 
rumors about him, but nothing reliable, so far as I can 
learn. In the afternoon the conclusion was reached that the 
rebels were too strong to effect a crossing at Pace's P'eny, 
and we moved three miles to the rear, and to the left, for the 
purpose of trying some other scheme. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



Along the Chattahoochee — Moving up the River — 
Surprising the Enemy at Phillips' Ferry — Bridc^- 
iNG THE Stream at Several Points — Driving the 
Rebels Back — Some Severe Fighting — Night Ex- 
pedition TO Sandtown — Change of Rebel Com- 
manders — Progress of the War, East and West — 
A Sick Chaplain — Lea\'E of Absence, 



ABOUT daylight of July 8th the Pontoon train, accom- 
panied by the 23d Corps, started on a tour of about 
twenty miles, up the Chattahoochee river, with a view of 
finding a point where a crossing could be effected without so 
much opposition. 

From all the indications presented, it was evident that the 
rebels were going to make a strong opposition to our farther 
progress. The Chattahoochee river, while not very wide, 
was sufficient to offer a strong line of defence on the opposite 
banks. They had some very formidable earth works at 
Pace's Ferry, and the Pontoniers were not over delighted 
with the suggestion of laying a bridge there, while the 
rebels occupied those works. There was a very consider- 
able feeling of relief, therefore, when the order came lor us 
to move further up the river. 

About the middle of the afternoon we arrived in the 
vicinit}^ of Phillips Ferrv, at the mouth of Soap Creek. The 
troops and Pontoon train are massed behind the hills, while 
a reconnoitering party is sent to the terry to discover what 



340 CHAPLAIX MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

force of the enemy is on the opposite side. It was found 
that the position was held b}' a small force of militia and a 
piece of artillery. Without attempting to disturb them or 
create unnecessary alarm on that side of the river, our men 
went quietly to work putting the pontoons together. About 
four o'clock the boats are launched, in Soap Creek, a few 
hundred vards from the mouth. They are loaded with 
detachments from the 12th Kentucky, and are quietly floated 
down to the mouth of the creek. While this is going on 
the rebel cannon is tiring away at our troops, who are wait- 
ing just over the hill, in the woods. Suddenly, to their 
great surprise, the canvass pontoon emerges from the thick 
bushes at the mouth of the creek. The men in the boats 
open tire on the rebels on the opposite bank and they scamper 
up the hill. Before they could rally the boats are across 
and our men are on their shore, Qiiickh' they form in line 
and charge up the hill, capturing the brass gun, and driving 
the Georgia militia to the woods in utter confusion. Other 
troops were ferried across as rapidly as possible and a strong 
line was formed to hold what we had gained. Meanwhile, 
the Pontoniers were at work putting the bridge together, 
and, in a little more than an hour from the time the tirst 
boats were launched, the pontoon bridge was completed and 
the infantrv and artillery of General Schofield's command 
were crossing in a steady stream. Thus was the first cross- 
ing of the Chattahoochee accomplished, and thus was given 
a most eflective blow to break the barrier that hindered our 
progress toward Atlanta, 

We laid two pontoon bridges at this place, which served 
for crossing all the troops in this vicinit}'. Our mechanics 
were ordered ^to build a permanent wagon bridge out of 
timber cut from the woods, and to have this bridge com- 
pleted by Wednesday night, which was accomplished on 
time. The length of the bridge is 480 feet. The pontoon 
bridges are now taken up by the Pontoniers — Companies A, 
F, B and G — and they move down to Power's Ferry, where 
another bridge is laid. Schofield's troops having, in the 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 341 

meantime, advanced that far down the river, driving the 
rebels back. Upon the Power's Ferry bridge Stanley's 
Division crosses and joins the forces on the other side. Our 
pontoons w^ere then relieved by those of McPherson's Corps, 
and on July 14th we were under orders to march down tlie 
river to Pace's Ferrv, wdiere w^e had first come to the Chatta- 
hoochee. The 4th Corps w^as to move down the southern 
bank of the river and drive the rebels back, giving us a 
chance to lay the bridge at Pace's Ferry, to cross the 14th 
Corps. We were there in time to do our part, but, for some 
reason there was delay in the movements on the other side. 
So we went into camp near the river, waiting for develop- 
ments. I can hear the waters at night as I lay on my bunk. 
The rebels are just across on the other bank. 

Everything has been remarkably qviiet along the lines lor 
a few da^'s. Onlv an occasional gun reminds us ot the 
existence of w^ar. 

The pickets at this ferry are very friendly. Conversation 
is carried on from the banks. Our men took down a brass 
band one evening and serenaded the rebels. Our enemies 
have been very honorable. When they have felt it a duty 
to fire they have given our men warning. A log came float- 
ing down, the other night. "Get to vour holes, we are 
going to tire !" cried the rebels. They poured heavy vollies 
into the log, not knowing what it was. One of the 82d 
Indiana went over a few days ago and took dinner with the 
rebels. They had a fine dinner of peas, beans and green 
corn, wdiich was a luxury to the Yankee. Oh, the nonsense 
of talking about starving the rebels. 

Sunday, July 17. — We were up at three o'clock. Orders 
have been issued to la}^ the pontoon to-da}'. General 
Wood's Division is to come down on the other side and 
drive the rebels from the ferry. General Davis' Division 
moves out towards the ferrv. When General Wood 
approaches the rebels scamper ofi' in indecent haste. They 
were greatl}^ surprised, and some, who w^ere in the river 
swimming, did not have time to put on their clothes. 



.'Ui> CHAPLATX HIGHT'S HTSTOIJY OF THE 

The Pontoniers were hurried down to lay the bridge It 
was a matter of great importance to have the bridge down 
and troops over to support General Wood, as the rebels were 
massing troops against him. Their movements could be 
seen from Signal Hill, just in our rear, and it was a critical 
situation that confronted us. As the 58th came down to the 
river bank, to begin their work, General Wood was standing 
on the opposite bank greath^ excited. He said that bridge 
must be completed and troops must be crossing over to his 
assistance within an hour to save his division from disaster. 
It did not need much urging to get our men to work, as they 
could all realize the necessity of haste. Never did a pontoon 
bridge take shape as fast as the one put down across the 
Chattahochee that afternoon. Men worked as if it was a 
matter of life and death — as, possibly, it was — and before 
the expiration of an hour the hnal lashing was made, the 
bridge was completed and securely anchored. As soon 
as the last plank was laid the head of the column of General 
Palmer's Corps was at the approach ready to begin crossing. 
Then began a steadv stream of troops — infantry and artil- 
lery — of the 14th and 20th Corps, which continued for 
liours after night, and the movement was none too soon. A 
large force of rebels had been collected on the opposite side, 
and thev opened up a sharp fight, soon after the crossing of 
the first of our troops. But the rebels' attack had been 
delayed too long ; our men were ready for them and held 
their position. 

Monday, July 18. — I rode over the Chattahoochee river 
and a mile or two beyond. Our army is advancing on the 
left of Atlanta. On this side of the river we have cavalry. 
On the otlier there are the 20th, 14th, 4th and 23d Corps, 
in the order named. It is said that General McPherson is 
still further on the left. The country, as far as I went, is a 
succession of abrupt hills, heavily timbered. But little can be 
seen, except from the hill tops, and then, you only see more 
liills and more woods. From the mountain near our camp 
can be seen Lost Mountain, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. ;U:{ 

Mountains, Allatoona Mountains, Stone Mountain, and a 
number of others, whose names I have never learned. We 
can see where Marietta is, and the steeples of Atlanta are 
verv plain to the naked eye. I noticed large clouds of dust 
rising in the direction of Stone Mountain. I could see the 
rebel and Union camp smoke. Down the river one of our 
guns was throwing an occasional shell over the river. 

The Chattahoochee river is about four hundred feet wide. 
In most places in these parts it can be waded. The bottom 
is very rougli and rockv. It is wider, but not so deep, as the 
Oostanaula or Etowah. The current is swift and the water 
is ever yellow, owing to the sandy and yielding nature ol 
the soil. At this season of the j^ear the banks are from six to 
fifteen feet high. There are level bottoms along the stream, 
but they are narrow. The knobs crowd close to the river. 
There is nothing attractive about the Chattahoochee. It is 
not navigable for boats. Man}^ of our pontoons were injured 
at Phillip's and Power's ferries, b}' the sharp rocks in the 
river. Any number of mills might be erected, for the* water 
has considerable tail. But what is there to grind? There 
was a paper mill on Soap Creek, which empties into the 
Chattahoochee, at Phillip's Ferr}-. I can easily account for 
the dirty color of the paper on which the rebels print the 
weekly news, when I see their muddy streams. 

But there is water, clear and good, in these hills. Near 
our camp there are several springs of as fine water as any 
man ever drank. 

In the afternoon of the 19th I rode up on the mountain, 
where I could see great clouds of dust that were rising from 
Stone Mountain to Atlanta, and to the left of the mountain. 
This dust is caused either by the movement of our troops or 
the rebels. If it is our men there they are flanking Atlanta, 
and will cut the Augusta railroad. If it is the rebels, they 
are evacuatino- Atlanta. In either case the result must be 
favorable to our armies. 

It is rumored to-day (the 20th) that our forces now 
occupy Decatur, five miles from Atlanta, on the Augusta 



344 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

railroad ; that General Rousseau, with a few thousand cav- 
ahy, has arrived on the West Point railroad, be3'ond Atlanta, 
and that McCook's Brigade, of Davis' Division, was engaged 
in a severe tight yesterday and came oft' second best, loosing 
heavily in killed, wounded and captured. 

To-day, a permanent wagon bridge was linished across the 
river and the last pontoon was taken up at Pace's Ferrv. 
A new switch and water tank, a bakery, the general iield 
hospital, of the Army of the Cumberland, a depot of sup- 
plies, etc., are now located at Vinings, which is the naine of 
the railroad station near here. 

We have additional rumors of the great battle of vester- 
day. The rebels are said to have made some desperate 
a""saults on the 4th, 14th and 20th Corps, and have been 
repulsed with great slaughter. Emptv ammunition w^agons 
are coming back to-dav. A lew ambulances loaded with 
wounded are cominir in. 

General Johnson has been removed tVom the command of 
the rebel army. I suppose the same foolish notions prevail 
amongst the Southern people -as amongst the Northern. 
Johnson has done all man could do. He has displayed 
great ability and courage, but then, people who have never 
been in the army, sometimes think that there is some kind 
of a magic way of wading through thick and thin, without 
regard to consequences ; and so there is, but such strategy 
always leads to defeat. Had General Johnson thrown his 
army continually against Sherman it would long since have 
been annihilated. He has made every resistance possible. 
If iiis successor. General Hood, acts as public opinion will 
demand, then in a few davs his armv will be slaimhtered 
and Atlanta will be ours. We will soon learn whether he is 
a fool or not. If the reports from yesterday's fighting be 
true, I am impressed with the idea that he is attempting the 
dash, such as is demandc-d b\' public sentiment, and is pvo- 
ductive of public ruin. * 

Friday, July 22. — About ten a. m. orders came to go to a 
ferrv, about ten miles below ; at twelve m. the march began. 



FIFTY-EKJHTH INDIANA l{E(iniEXT. -.Wy 

Wo ifot off tlic road twice by takiiiij roads towards the river. 
We had no guide, and none of us had been this way before, 
and, besides, there was considerable whisk}^ "aboard," 
as the phrase is. The whisky intended to be issued to the 
men in rations, was freeh' used by a tew of the men and otli- 
cers, resuhing in several drunks. I was on ahead, in com- 
pany with Lieutenant-Colonel Moore and staff. By dark we 
reached a camp about a mile be3^ond a nameless cross-roads. 
I suppose we were on the Sandtown road. Unfortunately, 
headquarters wagon, containing our baggage, had taken off 
a by-way and went, none knew where ; no, not even those 
with it. 

About eleven o'clock the headquarters wagon arrived, but 
as we were under orders to march at one o'clock in tlie 
morning, it was considered improper to waste any more 
time in putting up a tent, so I unrolled my blankets on the 
rails and lay down to sleep. By this time Colonel Buell 
arrived upon the scene of action. Numerous had been his 
adventures, with his two orderlies, traveling this gloomy 
night amid the Georgia hills and woods. He lost his way 
and wandered on, he knew not where. 

He was just in that state of mind when lie reached 
his command to do something desperate. Some good 
influence 

''On gracious errands bent," 

inilamed him against the whisky. He sent a Sergeant and 
squad of men with orders to knock out tlie head ol the 
whisk}^ barrel, as the women used to do in Indiana, in the 
days of the temperance agitation. The vile poison gurgled 
and splattered upon the soil, while the Georgia sand drank 
greedily, as an old toper. But some equally ardent team- 
sters, though it was midnight, crowded about with tin cups, 
sharing the whisky with the dirt. Some Judas, no doubt, 
asked in his heart, "Why was not this sold, and the money 
given to the poor?" The Colonel declares that no more 
whisky shall be brought to this Regiment. Good for the 
Colonel, 



34.0 CHArLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

I road in the papers tliat during the present summer 
whiskv is to be a part of the rations. Ah-eady many of the 
details ot the campaign have failed on account of wiiisky. 
General Sturgis, with 9,000 well disciplined troops — infantry, 
artillery and cavalry — is deleated at Tishomingo Creek by 
half that number of cavalry. Cause: Whisky. I am not 
posted about the amount of injury in the East by whisky, but 
there have been blunders which it is hardly presumable 
sober men would commit. 

Saturday, June 23. — At one a. m. the reveille brought 
our brief slumbers to an end. Some had not yet fallen 
asleep. The morning presented quite a contrast to the 
gloomy evening. The moon shone ; the clouds were gone ; 
the stars are out in their glorv. We move rapidly along the 
road three or four miles, when orders were given to halt. 
Here we rested until daylight, when we found we were near 
the Chattahoochee river, opposite Sandtown. 

At da3'break the boats were put together, ready to lay a 
bridge. Soon after, the cavalr}^ of General Stoneman came 
straggling along on foot, like so many colts going to water. 
The officers were without swords, but some of them instead 
carried revolvers in their hands. There were no other 
troops, except cavalry about. They were far from present- 
ing a bold appearance. They looked as if a Regiment of 
infantry on the other side could drive oft' the whole Division. 
It is far from me to detract from our cavalry, but it cannot 
b'j" denied that this arm of the service is not what it should be, 
in the matter of efticiency. Under a dashing ofticer^ oiu" 
cavalry often performs deeds of daring and brilliancy. We 
have many instances of such during this war, and T wish we 
had more of them. 

Tlie pontoons were taken a mile below tiie ferry, and a 
number of men were transferred to the southern bank betbre 
the enemy was aware of the design. Two soldiers, a 
woman and child, two horses and a mule were captured. 
B\' tills time, orders had been received, countermanding the 
order for crossin**-. Tlie men weri' transferred to the north- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA IJEGDIEXT. Ml 

crn bank and the pontoons taken trom the water and phiced 
upon the wagons. 

By this time the news was extensively circidated that 
General McPherson had been killed yesterday. In connec- 
tion with this there was the most exaggerated reports of the 
repulse of the Arm}- of the Tennessee, with great loss. The 
moving of the pontoon and some of the cavalry to the rear, 
seemed to conlirm the disastrous tale. They, who on yes- 
day, were cheering over the reported capture of Atlanta, 
now bewailed over an equally false tale of disaster. We 
did not have Atlanta, nor is McPherson 's army defeated. 

After leaving the river, we were stopped two miles back, 
lor dinner. This was very acceptable to man and beast. 
Many of the men had eateji neither supper nor breaklast. 
The mules had not been fed this morning, and some had 
not been watered for twenty-four hours. We continued our 
march about eijrht miles. Here, at dusk, we met the 
McPherson pontoon train, under the same orders as our- 
selves — "lay the pontoons at Howell's Ferry, near the rail- 
road." Now this ferry is eight miles below the railroad. 
It was therefore inferred that DeFour's Ferry, at the rail- 
road was meant. Both trains went into camp, designing to 
go to the railroad bridge in the morning. 

Sunday, July 24. — At two a. m. we were up. But the 
yesterday morning's folly, of hurrying off the battalion 
without eating, was not repeated. After getting on the 
wrong road — as usual — we reached the river soon after day. 
We soon had two bridires over the river, and the Army of 
the Tennessee Pontoniers had one. 

Monday, July 25. — I am now qviite sick, but, liaving botii 
green corn and blackberries, I expect to .^oon recover. It 
is no credit to a man to be sick in the army. In the even- 
ing we held a meeting of ovn* Christian Association. We 
had neglected to meet regularly, as we had lost our consti- 
tution, and had to send for another copN-. The following 
officers were elected for the quarter commencing July i , 
1864 : Private Patterson W . Wallace, Moderator ; First Scr- 



:U8 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

geant P. N. Spain, Clerk ; First Sergeant E. Keeler, Ser- 
geant A. Gudgel, Sergeant J. W. Emmerson, Executive 
Committee. A number joined the Association. 

Tuesday, July 26. — The Pontoon train ot^the Army of the 
Tennessee moved tour miles down the river, to Turner's 
Ferry, and crossed the cavalry over to the south side. 
General Stoneman started, with 7,000 mounted men, some 
days since, on a raid. The movement of the Pontoon train 
has some connection with Stoneman. 

Some weeks since, General Grant's campaign terminated, 
with the failure to capture Petersburg. Though unsuccess- 
ful, so tar as the great object of the campaign is concerned 
— the capture of Richmond — ^'Ct it has not been a failure. 
The enemy have hurled themselves in vain against him. 
They have used everv strategy ; and, when thev could do 
nothing else, they have talked contemptuous! v about him. 
He hangs about the gates of doomed Richmond. For some 
time he has been collecting his energies and laying new 
plans. He will soon make a new campaign, which can not 
be conducted more bravely, but, I hope, ^^'ill result more suc- 
cessfully, than the last. General Sherman is still mo\'ing 
Ibrward, with success, against Atlanta. 

We still remain in camp near DaFour's Ferry, on the 
Chattahoochee. My sickness still continues. All the time 
I have been able to walk to my meals, however, though I 
eat but little. Soldiers are seldom bedfast until near death. 
I have taken blue mass, calomel, opium, sugar of lead, cas- 
tor oil, (juinine, whisky, wine, and the rest of it. ()i")ium 
made me sleep and the whisky stimulated. I could observe 
no other results. 

Our camp is exceedingly pleasant. Frequent rains 
have cooled the air. We are in a splendid pine grove. 
There is usually a jileasant breeze stirring along the Chat- 
tahoochee. The bombardment of Atlanta makes music for 
our ears. The camj-) rejoices in l)lackberries and green corn. 

During the last week there came into our camp from 
the North, one Abe West fall, formerly a conductor on 



fifty-j:ighth Indiana kegiment. ;un 

the E. & C. railroad. Abe is young and healthy, and full of 
gas. He camped with Captain \^oorhees, an old acquaint- 
ance. The boys determined to play a prank on him, espec- 
ially as he seemed to have no business in the army, and 
talked insultingly about the soldiers' families. 

So, one evening, while quietly walking beyond Peach Tree 
Creek, in compan}^ with Captain \^oorhees, the conversation 
turned on the subject of guerillas. He seemed to dread them 
much. He labored under the impression that deserted 
houses and barns were full of them. He seemed to think 
that a soldier was liable to be shot at an}' time by them. 

Suddenh', from the brush, came a voice, commanding 
"Halt !" "Halt ! " repeated the voice, and a pistol snapped. 
It was enough. Westfall wheeled and fled like a chased 
stag in the forest. Bang ! went a pistol. Voorhees did all 
he could to keep up, while the "guerrillas" gave pursuit. 
Westfairs desires ran ahead of his legs and down he came 
to the earth. "Oh ! oh I oh I " came in most pitiful accents 
iVom his lips — ave, from his inmost soul — as he went down. 
Bounding up again, he fairly flew towards camp, while the 
crack of a pistol told of the coming of the "bloody gueril- 
las." When he reached Peach Tree Creek, where a number 
of our men were bathing, he ran into the bushes and fell 
down, exhausted. A moment after. Captain Voorhees came 
up and called him out. In attempting to walk a log over 
tlie creek he lell into the stream. From this, he was res- 
cued bv a soldier. Just on this side of the creek, and near 
camp, there are some breastworks. Westfall, when he 
reached these, panting, said, "Let — us — hide — here I " and 
down he sat. But no sooner had he reached the ground than 
he jumped up again, "O, Jake," he cried, "lets go farther, 
we are not far enough yet." So on they came, Westfall 
panting and almost dead, while Voorhees was ready to burst 
with laughter. 

When the Captain's quarters were reached W^estfall threw 
his hands about a little pine tree and began to vomit like a 
sea-sick mariner. He sank exhausted on a cot, while Cap- 



S50 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTOllY OF THE 

tain \'o()rhees ran over to the doctor's for some whisky, to 
keep the man from dying. 

As soon as Westfall recovered and realized his safety, he 
began to recount his adventure, "The balls whizzed b\' 
me,'' he said, when, as a matter of fact, the pistols were 
loaded with paper wads. The boys got a good joke on 
Henry Hill, of Company C. He was beyond the creek, but 
not in the secret. Seeing the race, and hearing the tiring, 
he ran, too, full tilt, into Peach Tree creek, and over to 
camp. Next morning Abe Westfall left early for the North. 
Bvit he was neither a wiser nor a sadder man. He never 
dreamed of the guerilla affair being a farce. He verily 
believed that they were after him, and that he was the hero 
of a tragic story, to be repeated to wondering admirers when 
he reached home. 

During my sickness, our meetings went on just as well as 
if I had been able to attend them. Private P. W. Wallace 
preached a time or two. Several prayer meetings were 
held. We have a number of good men in the 58th Regi- 
ment. 

On Saturday afternoon our baggage came up from Chat- 
tanooga. There were several tents, a numl^er of ilies, the 
desks, valises, etc. Qiiartermaster Sergeant A. M. Bryant, 
and a niunl^er of men, came up with it. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



On Furlough — A Chapter Pertaining to Personal 
Matters — Delays and Discomforts of Travel 
BY Rail — At Chattanooga — At Nashville — x\t 
Louisville — At Home — How the Time was Spent 
— What I Saw and Heard — Ho\\' I Got Back to 
MY Regiment. 



WITH deep regret on Sunda}^ July 31st, I applied for a 
leave of absence. This was granted on August 2d, 
and was received on the 6th. I prefer going home well. 
It is something of a disgrace to be sick in the army. 

The following is a copy of my request tor leave of absence, 
with the surgeon's certificate annexed : 

Headquarters 5STH Indiana Regiment, } 
DeFour's Ferry, Ga., July 31, 1864. \ 
Brigadier-General Whipple, 

A. A. G. and Chief of Staff". 
Sir: I would respectfuUj' ask for a leave of absence, to visit my home in 
Indiana, for reasons set forth in the appended surgeon's certificate. 
I am respectfully your obedient servant. 

JOHN J. HIGHT, 

Chaplain 5Sth Ind. Vol. 

I iiercby certify that I have carefully examined the said officer, ]. J. 
Ilight, Chaplain ^Sth Indiana, who has been under my care for the last (4) 
four weeks and find him sutTering from diarrhtva and general debilit}', and, 
in my opinion, a change of diet and climate, is, in a great measure, essential 
to his recovery. I would, therefore, respectfully recommend that a leave of 
(20) twenty days be granted him. 

I ani respectfully your obedient servant, 

SAMUEL E. HOLTZMAN, 

Surgeon ^Sth Ind. ^'ol. 



352 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE 

Sunday, August 7. — I rose at daV. and made mv prepa- 
rations for goin<r North. Dr. Holtzman accompanied me as 
far as Marietta, and Sergeant Solomon Reavis to Chatta- 
nooga. We left camp about eight a. m. I was hauled in 
an ambulance, lying on my back. It was very rough rid- 
ing. It must be exceedingh' unpleasant tOr the wounded to 
travel in these wagons. When we reached Marietta we were 
informed that we were too late for the morning train, and 
must wait until two p. m. But this proved to be a mistake. 
I found a place in a dirt}' freight car, and, unrolling mv 
blankets, I lav down upon the floor. Here I was hammered 
and battered until one o'clock next morning, I stood the 
trip verv well, getting along much better than I expected. 

At one a.m. we got out of the train at some point in Chat- 
tanooga, which we were unable to recognize ; but, after a 
little time, I tbund the Crutchtield house. All the rooms 
were full. One man left on the three o'clock morning train, 
and I took his place. Room and bed very dirt\'. Such is 
the disposition to steal about Chattanooga, ihat it is almost 
impossible to keep hotel. Fifty cents must be deposited at 
the desk before they furnish 3'ou a towel. Sheets cannot be 
left on the bed, for fear of being stolen. All things must be 
paid for in advance. When vou eat, you must hold your 
hat. I have known commissioned officers to steal little arti- 
cles from a hotel, and then laugh about it, as if it were smart. 
These fellows are thieves, and will not do to trust an3'^where. 
I would not think of leaving my pocket book where one of 
them could tmd it. 

We had a very good breakfast. Feeling better, I 
attempted to walk out, but found that I was too weak, and 
returned. At one p, m,, by virtue of my papers, I secured 
a seat on the Nashville train. It was only a hard board seat 
and back : reallv. it was inferior to the floor of the freight 
car. IIow am I to sit up while we are going 152 miles? 
Our train tra\'eled slow, and stopped otten. ^\\' \\aited on 
all the outcoming trains ; 1 suppose the trains for the front 
have the'right of wav. Midnight found us on the way, mak- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA TtEGIMENT. :5:.;5 

in^ sad efforts for sleep. It was a great trial tor the flesh, 
and spirit, too. At seven a. m. we reached the Nashville 
depot. I went immediately to the Sewanee house. On 
the way we were jostled by the early crowd, hurrying to and 
fro. Nashville is alive with activity. The Sewanee has 
greatly improved since last spring. I lay abed in a warm 
room until car time in the afternoon. The authorities had 
seized the train for hospital purposes, but still I obtained a 
place on tlie train. The seizure gave me more room than we 
otherwise would have had. 

I rode to the depot, in company with General Palmer and 
Johnny Clem. Palmer is going North on some account, I 
can not tell what. He does not impress me as being a very 
great man ; he is utterly devoid of any militar\" look, tone or 
habit, and is evidently a citizen, though wearing an army 
garb. One can but think, while looking at him, that some 
political influence must have made him a Major-General. 
You can easily approach him. I noticed that he spoke very 
pleasantly to a guard at the depot — a very unusual thing for 
a Major-General to do ; the man was evidently an old 
acquaintance. Johnny Clem is a pleasant child of some 
twelve summers. He is a noted person in the arm\', and a 
crowd is nearly always about him wherever he goes. He 
came out as a drummer in the 2 2d iNIichigan. He is reputed 
to have killed a rebel Colonel at the battle of Chickamauga. 
He usually stays at General Thomas' headquarters, but is 
now with General Palmer. He wears the badge of a Ser- 
Pfeant. 

The countr\' about Nashville has wonderfulh' revived since 
we were here in 1862. Fences have been rebuilt, a 
great breadth of land has been planted, and the crops look 
tine. The country all around wears a peaceful look. 

Wednesday, August 10. — We reached Louisville at four 
a. m. At'ter breakfast I visited the paymaster, and then 
crossed over to New Albany, where I met several of m^^ old 
friends. Leaving New Alban}^ at nine a. m., I reached 
Bloomington in about two hours. Here I am at home again. 



354. 



CHAPLAIX HIOHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



During the few days of my visit in Bloomington, I heard a 
great deal of discussion of the war, and the war measures. 
Those with whom I associate are usually ardent supporters 
of the war. But there are many who are not altogether 
favorable to the policy of the administration. Political mat- 
ters are very bitter — more so than ever before in my day. 
At least a strong minoritv of the people are fiercely opposed 
to the emancipation of the slaves. Altogether, it seems to 
me the national prospects are gloomy. The war is unsuc- 
cessful in the East, and but little is being done in the West. 
Not only is the rebel capital not taken, but there seems to be 
no prospect of its ever being taken. The condition of 

society is deplorable. While 
there is an increase of some 
of the virtues, ever3'where 
may be seen demoralization. 
Thousands are ready to put 
their hands to their neigh- 
bors' throats. 

To me nothing seems 
more clear than that slavery 
is a great crime, that it has 
called upon our heads the 
judgments of Almight}^ God, 
and that repentance and 
proper vigor would soon end 
the war, and restore the 
Union without slavery. Ikit alas ! The majority of the peo- 
ple are far from repentance, and the Government is without 
vigor. Our nation is a hot bed of hatred, envy, pride, rebel- 
lion and oppression. The land is red with blood. If only 
rebels were malignant, we might liave more hope. But all 




qilNCY A. HARPER," 

Lieutenant Company I. 



* Was imistcrcd in at Camp Gibson as Sergeant of Compa^^■ I. April 
15, 186.!, was coniinissioned First Lieutenant of the same Company and 
served as such until his muster out, April i, 1S65. Since leaving the army 
he has engaged in various occu]iations and is now living at Algiers. Pike 
county, Indiana. lie is an ardent friend of every enterprise that will pro- 
mote the interests of the old Regiment. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIA^W REGIMENT. 35.*) 

through the North there are secret organizations against the 
government, incendiary speeches, and accumuhited prepara- 
tions for war, arson and murder. Even the supporters of the 
administration turn in bitterness on their chief. 

If God does not hiy to, his helping hand, we are forever 
undone. The Union never can be restored ; war, pestilence 
and famine, fire and flood will sweep over the land, making 
it desolate. Spring will not revisit us, and day will not 
dawn on the night of our shame. 

Almighty God, our only hope is in Thee. Save our 
people from this madness. Help us to turn from our sins. 
Give us an early victory. Give us a united country, wherein 
shall dwell no slave. May days of peace and prosperity vet 
be ours. May America yet carry liberty and religion to all 
the nations of the earth. Amen. 

Monday, August 28. — Great interest is felt in the 
National Democratic convention, which meets at Chicago, 
to-day. Democrats are hopeful and excitedly enthusiastic. 
It must be confessed that the Republicans are a little fearful 
of the result of the presidential election. It is supposed that 
General McClcllan will be the nominee of the Chicago con- 
vention. To me, all things look gloomy. May results l)e 
better than my fears. The dissolution of the Union seems 
inevitable ; then, farewell, all my cherished hopes for my 
country. The preservation of slavery seems probable ; 
then, good-bve to peace in Church or State. Shall 
strife never end? Oh, for universal treedom and eternal 
imion. 

After several weeks' rest at home, my health had so far 
recuperated that I was in condition to return to my Regi- 
ment. The time of my departure from Bloomington was 
Thursday, September ist. On my way to New Albany I 
had the company of quite a large number of delegates 
returning from the Chicago convention, from whom I 
learned that McClellan had been nominated. There was 
great enthusiasm among the returning delegates, and tiiey 
were very confident their man would win in the Novamiber 



856 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

election. It is mv hope that these predictions will not be 
fulfilled. 

Arriving at Louisville, I put up at the Louisville hotel, and 
was assigned a room in which there were some half dozen 
others. As it turned out, my room mates were all Demo- 
cratic politicians, mostly of the cross-roads calibre, with a 
liberal supply of the Kentuck}' platform. Late in the night, 
and earlv in the morning they were engaged in discussion of 
the political questions of the day. They were very bitter 
against President Lincoln, calling him a tyrant for making 
arbitrary arrests, the suspension of the writ of habeas cor- 
pus, and many other things. These men are vile ti-aitors at 
heart, but have not the courage to take up arms with their 
friends in the Southern Confederacy. Of course, they are 
all for McClellan. If there was no other reason for me not 
supporting him, the fact that he is the choice of traitors, 
north and south, would be enough. 

The news from be3^ond Nashville is that Wheeler is on the 
Chattanooga road. So I concluded to wait another day in 
Louisville. 

Just before night I was sitting near the main entrance to 
the hotel, where two men were talking. A third man came 
up and communicated some important item, which I did not 
catch. They doubted, but he assured them that it was true, 
for the dispatch had come b}' way of Knoxville. The whole 
]-)arty seemed filled with profound regret. Somebody "s con- 
duct was severely condemned. "It was worth twent}- thou- 
sand men. If he is going to give up that way, he might as 
well give up all." At supper I learned that the news was 
that Atlanta had fallen. These miserable rebels were con- 
demning Hood, and deploring their misfortune. 

In the evening I went to tire court house to liear Hon. 
Horace Maynard deliver an address on National politics, 
lie is an anti-slavery man, hence no hint of the speech could 
be found in either yournal or Democrat. The bills brought 
to the hotel were soon trampled on the lloor. Every effort 
is made to keep the notice of the meeting from the jieople. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. :{:>7 

If slavery be dead, as many say, its spirit still lives. The 
assembly was small, considering the fame of the orator, and 
the excitement of his theme. Louisville is the same traitor- 
ous Sodom it was when, in 1862, I, with many other sol- 
diers, marched more than 200 miles to defend it, and 
received not a single welcome, but made our beds on streets 
and out lots. 

At length a slight demonstration of applause ran through 
the crowd. A soldier near me rose and said, "Yes, there's 
Maynard, certain." I had never seen Mr. Maynard before, 
but I recognized an unmistakable East Tennesseean in the 
person on the stand. His form was tall and slender. His 
hair was long and lav behind his ears. He had a black 
mustache, and a little patch of hair on his chin. His head 
hung, like one catching ideas, at an angle of lort3'-five 
degrees. There was a pleasant expression on his counte- 
nance. You would not feel abashed to approach him. 
Such were my impressions of Mr. Maynard, as he stood for 
a moment, and then was seated amonu" the mai^nates on the 
stand. 

A small man, with a sorry looking coat, seemingly of bed 
ticking, rose and moved that somebody take the chair, and 
the motion prevailed. The gentleman came forward, hold- 
ing a paper in his hand, and announced the fall of Atlanta. 
The dull crowd seemed at once inspired with lite. Even 
phlegmatic conservatives felt a little of the glow of patriot- 
ism. Caps and hats were swung high in the air ; cheer after 
cheer rose wildly from the multitude, and still the house ran^; 
again, and yet again. When order at length was restored, 
the president read the telegram, and again there were cheers. 
Mr. Maynard was now introduced, and in a distinct voice, 
and a manner that promised rich entertainment, he announced 
that we were in a momentous crisis. He then proceeded to 
discuss the various phases of National affairs. His manner 
was usually good. Sometimes he was a little tedious in read- 
ing some lengthy question. He has a peculiar and emphatic 
habit of dashing his white handkerchief on the table, at the 



.'):)» CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

end of an emphatic sentence. He has a solemnity of tone. 
He is logical, and gives us some fine thoughts. Patriotism 
breathes through every sentence. Traitors and peace men 
receive many hard hits. A glowing tribute is paid to the 
gallant men who have died for their country, and the pros- 
pects of the nation are pictured in glowing words. 

The speaker was often applauded, but many of the audi- 
ence felt but little interest in the speaking. At almost ever}' 
thrust at slavery, some could stand no more, but would leave. 
I was much benefitted and strengthened. The world moves. 
There is free speech in Louisville. Freedom will triumph. 

I left Louisville September 3d and arrived at Nashville 
without noting anything of special incident. At the 
Sewanee House I saw little indication of an improvement in 
the fare, from what it was when I was there before. It is 
very far from being a paradise. 

On account of the break in the railroad I am compelled 
to remain here several days, and I will spend the time in 
visiting old friends and places of interest. I could enjoy 
this much better, if it were not for the fact that I am paving 
four dollars per day at the hotel, and my pocket book is not 
very flush. 

Among tlie places visited was hospital No. 9. Here I 
found Wesley Webster, of Company C, sick. He has been 
here for a long time. I also met S. V. Hay, of Compan}' 
A. He left the Regiment, wounded, at the battle of Stone 
River. T also saw Samuel Ledgerwood, of Company E, 
now in the Veterans' Reserve Corps. He is acting as 
orderl}^ at this hospital. Wheeler, formerly of Company- 
C, is here also, in the Veterans' Reserve Corps. He is a 
guard. 

One night I went to the capital, to hear speeches from L. 
C. Houck and others. These Tennesseeans are very earn- 
est in defending the Administration, opposing slavery, and 
advocating the re-election of Mr. Lincoln. Many of them 
having suffered great wrongs, are bitter against rebels. 
They are for "war to the knife, and knife to the hilt." 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 359 

They are attempting to get Tennessee back into the Union 
without slavery. May they succeed. 

I also called on Lieutenant Lee Yaryan, at his office, on 
Cherry street. He was formerly Adjutant of the 58th 
Indiana, and for a long time aid-de-camp on General Wood's 
staff; 

After a week's stay in the capital city of Tennessee, a 
chance was offered me to go on my way. I took passage 
on one of the military passenger trains for Chattanooga. 

A few miles out from Nashville we came to where 
Wheeler had destroyed the road. The ties had been burned 
with the rails on them. This effectually destroys both. 
Not less than ten miles were destroyed. The little garrison 
at Lavergne had kept him at bay and preserved a mile of 
the road. Farther on, at Smyrna, General Wheeler had 
attacked the block-house, with artillery. Three were killed 
and seven wounded of the little command of thirty men. 
But the block-house did not surrender. The garrison at 
Stewart's Creek acted less honorably — they surrendered. 
No raiding party can capture those block-houses if defended 
by brave men. 

Arriving in Chattanooga next morning I found there was 
no chance for a train to the front before next day, so there 
was nothing to do but wait. While waiting, I took occasion 
to visit, among other places, the new stone fort, which is in 
process of construction near the depot. It is called "Fort 
Buell," in honor of our Colonel. It seems to me that it is 
very foolish to be spending so much money and labor in 
building this fort, as it does not appear to be needed, with so 
many other forts about this place. 

In due time we got a train out of Chattanooga, and after 
a long, tedious journey we arrived in Atlanta. As I had 
never been in this city before, I was entirely ignorant of the 
whereabouts of my Regiment, or any other Regiment. "I 
didn't know nothing." So I remained in the cars until 
morning. With the earliest dawn of light I pushed out in 
search of knowledge. From the multitude of know-nothings 



nc>0 niAPLATX HTGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE 

I examined, I learned the direction to General Thomas' 
headquarters. Placing my baggage in charge of a guard, I 
started in that direction, and soon stood before the head- 
quarters, located in a magnificent colonade building. I was 
met by an orderly, who conducted me to the mounted 
orderlies. From them I learned that my Regiment had 
returned to their old quarters, at DeFour's Ferry. I 
regretted then that I had not known this last night, as our 
train stopped a long time about the bridge. I could just as 
well have gotten off. The query is, how am I to get to mv 
Regiment this morning. But breakfast must lirst be sought. 
A hotel has been opened in Atlanta. Thither I turned mv 
lootsteps, giving a negro a quarter to carry mv valise. 

The breakfast at the Trout house is a joke. We had 
many waiters, fresh from their Southern lords. These, in 
their anxiety to please their new Yankee 
masters, were flying about with the agilitv 
of squirrels. We had to take their atten- 
tions as the chief item in the entertain- 
ment. Besides this, we had the pleasure 
of dirty table linen, and the dutv of hold- 
ing our hats to keep each other from 
stealing them. To eat, there was beef- 
GEo. w. (;.\sA\v.\Y,* steak, bread, molasses, and coflee. 

Sergeant Cor^pany D. ^^-^j^ ^j^.^ ^j _^^ j ^^,,^^ ^_^^^^^ Satisficd. AftCr 

breakfast I took a more extensive walk about the city. 
Many of the houses in the northern part of the city were 
much torn by shot and shell. In no place have I seen such 
evidences of destruction. 

During the forenoon I came upon a train from mv Regi- 
ment, which had come in for forage and clothing. I placed 
my baggage in one of the wagons and borrowed a horse and 

* Was one of tlie original members of the .s^^tli, started in at Camp Gib- 
son and followed it through. He was promoted to Sergeant, and served as 
such until the Regiment was mustered out. Since the war he has been 
engaged principally as carpenter and contractor. A few years ago he 
removed to Tullahoma, Tennessee, where he is now living among scenes 
familiar in arm\' days. 




FIFTY-EIGHTH INMAXA EEGDIENT. .'Jlil 

rode to camp. The flies are exceedingly troublesome, and 
it is almost as difficult to ride as to walk. 

Just in the edge of the city I passed through the works of 
the enemy. There were forts on all the hills, connected 
by field works. These were well protected by abatis, chc- 
vaiix-dc-fn'sc, and palisades in iVont. But a short distance 
from these are our works, which are not so strong. 

On my way to camp I met a drove of seventeen hundred 
cattle, just from Chattanooga. Amongst the guards were 
three men of the 58th — George Davis, Catlett, and William 
Bennett. 

I soon came to the camp of the 58th, and was very cor- 
dially welcomed by my friends in the Regiment. It was 
like getting back home again. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



Ax Expedition to Saxdtowx — Crossing Kilpatrick's 
Cavalry — A Raid to the Rear of Atlanta — 
Stirring up the Enemy — Following our Cavalry 
— A Critical Situation — Preparation for De- 
fence — The Rebels Do Not Come — March to 
JoNESBORO — Atlanta Evacuated — Campaign Ended 
— Back to Chattahoochee — Our Regimental 
Camp — Other Matters of Importance. 



DURING mv absence the Regiment participated in an 
important campaign, a short account of which should 
be noted here. 

A tew days after I left them the Pontoon train was ordered 
to move again to Sandtown, about ten miles down the river. 
This was their second journey over that road, as the reader 
will remember. The object of the move this time was to 
afford a crossing for General Kilpatrick's Brigade of cav- 
alry, the other time it was for the accommodation of General 
Stoneman's cavalry. There was a considerable difference 
in the push and energy of these two bodies of cavalry, as we 
shall presently see. It will be remembered that Stoneman's 
cavahy came and looked over on the other side of the river, 
but, for lack of courage, or for some other cause, they did 
not go over and take possession. So we had to take up our 
bridge and beat an inglorious retreat. With Kilpatrick it 
was ditlerent. vShorth' after davliglit one morning we 
arrived again at the river, ojiposite vSandtown. The few 
rebels on the other side immediately became impressed with 
the notion that their presence was not wanted, when they 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 363 

heard the balls from ovir guns whistling about their ears. 
Within a very short time, we had a bridge down and Kilpat- 
rick's force began to cross. When thev were all over on 
the other side thev formed in column and immediately 
started in pursuit of the enemy. A sharp skirmish was 
encountered, a tew miles out, but it did not last lonij. The 
rebels gave way and Kilpatrick tbllowed fast after them. 

For two days our Regiment was encamped at the bridge 
on the south side of the river. We had not heard anything 
from Kilpatrick. We only knew that his mission was to 
make a raid ai^ound the rear of Atlanta, and destroy the rail- 
road and stir up the rebels in everv wav possible. And we 
knew that whenever Kilpatrick started out to stir up the 
rebels he geperally succeeded in his undertaking. So we 
were not very much surprised when, one evening about sun- 
down, the head of the cavalry column was seen coming back 
in considerable of a hurry. The whole Brigade was soon in 
our camp, and we soon learned that a much larger force of 
rebels was not far behind. It seems that Kilpatrick had 
made a success of his enterprise, but in doing so had 
attracted a strong force of rebel cavahy, who had followed 
him on his retreat. So we were now all confronted with a 
superior force of the enemy, and our position was not the 
most fortunate. Here we were, one Regiment of infantry 
and a Brigade of cavalry against about all the available cav- 
alry- in the rebel arm v. Then we were on their side of the 
river, with only a single pontoon bridge on which to cross in 
case of retreat. 

In this condition there was only one thing to do — tliat w as 
to make such preparations that retreat would not be neces- 
sary. This we at once set about doing. 

A line of battle was formed in the shape of a semi-circle, 
each Hank resting on the river, the 58th Regiment of infantry 
being in the center of the line. There were a number of log 
houses in the little village, known as Sandtown. These 
were torn down and the logs utilized in building rifle pits. 
The men worked like beavers in constructing these works of 



;}(i4 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

defense, and it was not long until we were in shape to have 
giveji the rebels a warm reception. A strong skirmish line 
was kept well out to the front, with a stronger force in 
reserve. For some reason the enemv did not press our 
retreating cavalrv, but contented themselves with skirmish- 
ing with our advanced lines. 

This disposition of the rebels, and their delav, was a for- 
tunate thing for our little force at the river. If they had 
pressed their advantage, our men most certainly would 
have had a hard time in holding tiieir position. We waited 
and worked all night long, making all the noise we could, 
meanwhile, but the rebels come not. With the exception 
of one or two little brushes with our outline of skirmishers, 
there was no evidence that there was any rebel' force near. 
Soon after daylight a reconnoisance was made, developing 
the fact that the enemy had retired. Of course our men 
breathed easier after this was known. Weary with an all 
night watching, they betook themselves to rest and sleep. 

The Regiment remained here for several da3's after this, 
Ijut there was no further demonstration by the enemv. Our 
boys, being several miles from the main army, had access to 
the fruit, fresh meat, and other articles in which this vicin- 
ity abounded ; and, in consequence, were enjoving life. 

On the 25th of August orders came to march, and a short 
time before simdown the Regiment started, marching in a 
southerly direction. The roads were bad and tlie Pontoon 
train was long, so that there was slow progress at first. 
Some time after dark the Regiment went into camp, about 
eight miles from the starting place. The camping ground 
here was in a large, open field, and it was discovered that 
other troops were there ahead of oin- Regiment. These 
were found to be the Fourth Corps ; and tlie fiu'ther tact was 
ascertained that this was a movement of the largest part of 
Sherman's army around Atlanta, for the purpose of cutting 
otV the retreat of Hood trom that belea<ruered cit^'. The 
Pontoon train was to go with \hc arnn- in this expedition, 
hence our nioNcmiMit from tlie river. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 



365 



On the morning of the 27th, the march was resumed, but 
it was even slower than that of yesterda}^ and only five 
miles were covered. The countr}^ over which they marched 
was aptly described as utterl}' "God forsaken." A camp- 
ing place was tound near a large rebel hospital that had 
been abandoned. 

On Sundav, the 28th, the Regiment prepared to march at 
six a. m., but did not start until nine. An hour after, thev 




DKSTROYIXC; A RAILROAD. 



caught up with the army. The West Point railroad was 
reached this day, after a march of four miles. Here the 
Regiment remained until Tuesday, the 30th. This time was 
spent b}^ our army in the destruction of the railroad. Some 
fifteen or twenty-five miles of the road were effectually 
destroyed. The ties were burned and the iron bent by the 
heat. 



866 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

An effort was made to move about eight a. m. on Tues- 
day, but it was eleven when the train got under headway. 
About eight miles were made without finding the long 
sought "garden spot/' The land was desolate, as in all 
these parts. The camp was three miles from Jonesboro. 

Next morning, the 31st, the Regiment had orders to tix 
up camp, but about an hour afterwards orders came to move 
forward. Thev moved two miles and went into camp. 
Here, thev remained until Friday, September 2d. While 
they were in this camp the battle of Jonesboro was fought, 
which decided the fate of Atlanta. That cit}^ was evacuated 
bv the rebels in order to save themselves from being cut 
off. Thus was Sherman's flankinif methods asfain suc- 
cessful. 

On Friday the Regiment moved into Jonesboro. This 
is a pretty little town and there is considerable evidence of 
wealth. Only a few women and children remained of the 
former population. The court house and some other build- 
ing, had been destroyed by General Kilpatrick, in the raid 
which has been mentioned. On the march to the town a 
part of the battlefield was passed over. Some of the rebels 
were still unburied. The march was continued down the 
railroad about six miles, the road being destroyed as the 
arm}^ advanced. In the evening, there was heavy fighting 
in front, at Lovejov, in which our troops were successful. 

On Saturday, the 3d, orders came to cease tearing up the 
road and return to Atlanta, and, on Sundax', the 4th, the 
countermarch began. The Regiment came back to Rough- 
and-Ready — sixteen miles — while the main army remained 
in front, to follow on at leisure. Monday, the 5th, Atlanta 
was reached about ten a. m. Passing through the city the 
Regiment camped, after a march of fifteen miles, at the old 
spot at DeFour's Ferry. Next day, the work of fixing up 
the camp, began, and it was not completed imtil after I 
joined the Regiment, 

A brief description of our Regimental camp may be ot 
interest. The front of the camp faces almost to the i ast. 



FIFTY-EICtHTH INDIANA EEGDIENT. 36 7 

The field and staff line has three wall tents, one of which is 
occupied by the Lieutenant-Colonel and Major, another by 
the Adjutant and Commissary Sergeant, and the third by the 
Surgeon, Chaplain and Assistant Surgeon. They are shaded 
by pine boughs laid on poles. Behind these are two huts, 
occupied by the Colonel's white and black servants. The 
former include the orderly and cook, and the latter two 
negroes. 

To our right, on this line, are the quarters of the non-com- 
missioned staff. The}^ have two huts, covered with shelter 
tents. We have a larger staff than most commands, for ours 
includes the butcher and color bearer. The mail is under 
the care of the Ordnance Sergeant. We have received but 
one mail since m}^ return from the North, though we send 
out one every da}'. 

To our left is the quarters of the brass band. They are 
without a leader, but they play several tunes very well. But 
their noise is not entertaining. 

A short distance to the left, and near the band quarters, is 
the Regimental chapel. This is about 30x40 feet, with a 
single aisle through the middle. There are good seats, of 
two-inch pine plank, without an}^ backs. There is but one 
entrance. The roof, which is about ten feet high, is sup- 
ported by poles, and is covered with pine brush, which 
keeps off the sun, but not the rain. There are branches of 
pine suspended from the outer edge of the roof, and reaching 
almost to the seats, which make a wall enclosing the chapel. 
A very neat camp table has been made by the mechanics for 
the Bible and h3^mn book. 

The line officers usuall}^ have huts, covered with con- 
demned boat canvas. This is dirt}^, from long use beneath 
the surface of the \\ ater, but it is water proof. The line also 
has a number of cook shanties. Usuallv, there are from four 
to six officers in a mess. 

The quarters of the men are placed by Companies, in the 
usual manner, and are dry and comfortable. There is not a 
large number of men on dutv in the Companies, on account 



868 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

of the numerous details. Sometimes a Company has but a 
single private, with a hall' dozen officers to command him. 

In Iront of the color line is a line of substantial field works, 
made bv the 20th Corps, when they fell back l>om Atlanta 
to the Chattahoochee, during Sherman's flanking movement 
to Jonesboro. The ground of our camp is elevated, and 
overlooks the surrounding countr}^ We are shaded by a 
growth of oak, which makes it very pleasant. 

To the left of the Regimental camp, about one liundred 
yards, is the camp of our cattle guard. The}- have two or 
three huts, very much like those in the camp proper. In a 
pen, near bv, are our cattle, which have evidently seen bet- 
ter days, as they are becoming very bony. They are taken 
out to graze every day, but there is little lor them to eat. 
The butcher's rule is to kill the poorest, lest they die before 
the next issue day. A Sergeant — Dan Harrison — commands 
the cattle guard. 

To the right and rear of the Regimental camp are the 
Regimental teamsters. We have three ambulances and three 
wagons. There are the usual number of private horses. A 
shed has been made for the horses and mules, but it is too 
high to do much good when it rains. Sergeant Armstrong, 
the old sharpshooter, is the ranking man in this squad, and 
iua\- hv considered the commanding officer. 

An liundred vards in the rear of the teamsters is the Reg- 
imental commissary, presided over by Sergeant C. C. Mont- 
gomery. Here a moderate suppl}- of rations is sheltered and 
guarded. 

Fifty 3'ards in the rear of the commissary is the pontoon 
corral, embracing about an acre, inclosed by sheds of cedar 
branches. Here are the wagons and mules ol the train. 
There are about one hundred wagons and iive hundred nuiles. 
The wagons show signs of a long campaign, and the mules 
are very poor. A small supply of shelled corn or oats is all 
they get at this time. Near tiie corral, the drivers are living 
in some huts, called, from their arrangement, Scattertown. 
The public horses, near fift}- in numl)er, are kept aliout Scat- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. ^fi!) 

tertown. Near this, also, are stored the pontoon materials. 
The chess, balk, and boat frames, are nicely arranged in 
what we might call the boat yard. Tiie canvas, ropes, etc., 
are stored in houses. 

In the same neighborhood, the mechanics, under Lieuten- 
ant Wood, have built a row of shops, with a yard in the rear, 
and their quarters behind the 3'ard. At any hour of the day 
the carpenters, blacksmiths, wagon makers, harness makers, 
etc., mav be seen working at their respective trades. Their 
labors are performed with great cheerfulness. There is no 
bossing, nor is there a need of any. The work is light, and 
much easier than idleness. Much time is spent in making 
tables, stools, boxes, etc. 

A magnificent swing hangs from two giant pines in the 
mechanics' vard, and is free to all who wish to use it. 

Across the road is the Regimental bakery, which is run 
by Sergeant Armstrong and Privates Joseph Wilson and 
Benjamin Clayton. The greatest embarrassment connected 
with it is the want of flour. 

After paying our respects to the headquarters, on the hill, 
to the right of our Regimental camp, we are through. Col- 
onel Buell has for his staff. Lieutenant Williams, of the looth 
Illinois; Lieutenant Daniels, of the 17th Ohio; Captain 
Tovisev, and Lieutenants Jones and Torrence, of the 58th 
Indiana. 

In company with Dr. Iloltzman and Lieutenant Mason, I 
visited Atlanta, Monday, September 19th. There are still a 
good many citizens here, notwithstanding General Sherman's 
order of banishment. Some harsh criticisms are made by 
manv on account of Sherman's action in this matter, But, I 
think, imder the circumstances, the order was a wise one. 
It is true, there is not much humanity about it, but there is 
not much humanity about war measures of any kind. As 
soon as our army moves on, then these citizens should be 
allowed to return and make a living for themselves. 

Among the places visited was the city cemetery. In the 
ordinary condition of things, the cemetery- is not the most 



370 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

cheerful spot one could rind when making" a pleasure ramble. 
But the condition of things around Atlanta was not in the 
ordinary line, and the cemetery was about as cheerful as the 
other places around the city. A part of the fence around the 
cemetery has been torn away, and some of the ornaments 
destroyed. There was abundant evidence that this was once 
a beautiful burying ground, but the ravages of war has 
affected the resting place of the dead, as well as the habita- 
tion of the living. 

In one place, I noticed a splendid gothic monument over 
a vault, which is now open and the coffins exposed. This is 
a sickening, loathsome sight. When I die, I want to be 
buried in the ground. I want no vandals to gaze on my dead 
face, nor do I wish to have my mummy hawked in the mar- 
kets of future generations. I prefer to return to mother dust. 

The works on the eastern side of the city resemble those 
on the northwestern, and are very close to the city. Near 
them are the fragments of many cars which were burned by 
the rebels. The ground about the cars is covered with the 
fragments of shells and other ammunition. This must have 
been loaded on the trains, or destroyed with some houses in 
the neighborhood. 

It is difficult for one from the populous North to realize 
that a city, no larger than Atlanta, could have been accounted 
of such importance. But when one calls to mind how thinly 
peopled this country is, he can appreciate that this was a 
great city to them. There are a few good churches, a few 
squares of solid business houses, and a number of foundries. 
The population before the war mayluive been nearly 4,000. 
It is said to have greatly increased during the war. Here 
many materials for the conflict were prepared, and many 
refugees from North Georgia and Tennessee found shelter. 

Many houses are being torn down, and the materials trans- 
ported to camp to shelter the troops. There can be no 
objection to this. It seems a pity to destroy the houses, but 
the men are better than the buildings. Our people have long 
been exposed, and must now liavc protection and rest. 



FIFTY-EICtHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. .'{71 

For two years. Captain Cain has been trying- to resign. 
He tirst made the attempt during the pursuit of Bragg, in 
Kentuck}'. He has also sent up a number of applications 
for leave of absence, all of which have been returned disap- 
proved until now. But the long continued suit has at 
last been successful. To-day his offered resignation has 
been returned, "Accepted on account of expiration of term 
of service, and I'amilv affairs. " I have often spoken of Cap- 
tain Cain in these records. We all regret to part with him. 
He is one of the chief supports of the Christian sentiment in 
the Regiment. A good singer, gifted in prayer, and faith- 
ful in his attendance on the means of grace, we will greatly 
miss him from our little circle of Christians. The contem- 
plation of the loss of many of our leading Christian men, by 
the expiration of iheir terms of service this fall, increases 
our sadness in parting with the Captain, We can but feel 
desolate in parting with those who have long been our asso- 
ciates in camp and march, in storm and battlefield. T'he 
friendships of home life are tame, compared with the attach- 
ments of those who have stood together amid the battle's 
rage, who have been wet by the same storms, and endured 
hunger of the same sieges. Around our plain camp tables 
and cheerful blazing ffres, or on the long marches, our hearts 
become knit as those of David and Jonathan. 

Sunday, Sp:ptp:mber 25. — The Sabbath dawned most 
beautitully. At 9:30 a. m. our little chapel was crowded 
by an attentive congregation. A few citizens were present. 
There is no special difficulty in preaching before soldiers. 
At two p. m. we met and organized a Bible class. It went 
otT a little dry. Perhaps we will make it interesting in the 
future. The lesson to-day was Matthew, ist chapter. In 
the evening the congregation was large and attentive. 
There is a good, religious feeling in the Regiment. 

Monday, September 26. — This has been a beautiful 
autumnal da}^ The air is exceedingly bracing. The repair- 
ing and repai-nting of the train is going on rapidly. Man\' 
trains crowded with troops of the 4th Corps, passed to the 



H2 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

rear to-day and yesterday. There are many rumors and 
surmises. Some think the 4th Corps, and, perhaps some 
other troops, are going to Virginia, either by the way of 
the north, or through Bull's Gap. Some think the move- 
ments of this Corps are only to check a rebel raid, now said 
to be progressing around our left iiank. Of course, I have 
no means of knowing the exact truth. But, I am satisfied, 
that if a part of this army does not go to Richmond, it 
should. Now is the time to overturn this slave-holding 
empire. 

The rumors of the day are all encouraging. Gold has 
fallen. The rebels are badh^ defeated in the Shenandoah 
Valley. Our people are greatl}^ encouraged. Now if Rich- 
mond falls, and Lincoln is re-elected, the work will soon be 
accomplished. And what a work — the Union re-established 
and slavery destroyed. God hasten the day. May the 
days of our watching and waiting soon end in glorious 
triumph. 

The regular monthh' meeting of our Christian Association 
convened this evening, in the chapel. Moderator Wallace 
opened with prayer. He then encouraged the members to 
take part in the business. The constitution was read and 
a number came forward and enrolled their names. The tol- 
lowing officers were elected for the ensuing year : John A. 
Everett, Moderator ; Jacob Davis, Clerk ; Ebenezer Keeler, 
Andrew Gudgel, John Emmerson, Executive Committee. 
Captain Cain asked for a letter of dismission. He made a 
few very feeling remarks, in taking leave of us. We would 
never all see him again ; but we would not be forgotten by 
liim. He exhorted us to prepare for Heaven. A paper was 
then adopted by the Association, and in conclusion, an 
appropriate song was sung and the parting hand was given 
to our departing brother. He prayed with and for us. The 
benediction was then pronounced. 

The 1st Michigan Engineei's came from the rear, with a 
long train, and encamped near us. They have an endless 
supply of baggage. 



J 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMEXT. 8711 

Our camp is daily visited by women, children, and a few 
men. They are nearly all lean, lank, cadaverous people. 
Thev sell butter, butter milk, green beans, chickens, toma- 
toes, muscadine grapes, etc. They exchange these things 
for our rations. As we cannot buy for cash, we cannot pur- 
chase verv extensivelv. The people in these parts are pretty 
well starv^ed for the necessities of life. It is this that drives 
them to this trade. Some come in begging, and tiiey tell 
most pitiful tales. We cannot give them much, as we do 
not care to feed the women and children of men, who are 
lying in the bushes and attempting to cut the railroad which 
brings the food. Can anything be more ridiculous than for 
these women to come snubbing about our camp, while their 
lantern-jawed lords are h'ing in ambush to shoot us? Oh, 
that these people had known when they were well off. 

Manv of the countrv people call on Dr. Patten for medi- 
cine and medical attention. It is unsafe for him to be rid- 
ing about the countrv, hence he refuses all calls for visiting 
outside of camp. He gives out medicines, although his 
supply is small. All the native physicians have gone south. 
The rich and great have fled and left these poor women to 
the tender mercies of the detested Yankees. 

The men sent several da3's ago to Chattanooga, for mules, 
returned, to-day, without them. The}^ report that General 
Newton's Division is at Chattanooga. One Division from 
here passed on through that post. One Division of the 15th 
Corps has gone to Rome. There has been no connection 
between Nashville and Chattanooga for some days. 

Major Downey went to Marietta, Saturday, October ist, 
for the veterans of the loth Indiana, who have been assigned 
to our Regiment, but he did not get them. There is more 
red tape about the affair than can be unwound in one day. 

We have had frequent rains lately, and the Chattahoochee 
has risen rapidly during last night. Before daylight this 
morning, a large amount of drift was massed on the upper 
trestle bridge, across the river at this point, and the bridge 
was torn away, without leaving a vestige to tell where it 



^74. CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

once stood. Sweeping down the stream, it carried away 
the next trestle bridge bv the help of the accumulated drift. 
Next, a span of the great railroad bridge was carried away. 
It fell into the river with a great crash. Lieutenant Jones, 
at once, was sent to communicate the tidings to General 
Thomas' headquarters, at Atlanta. 

Thus, the rest of the Sabbath is to be broken, because the 
Chattahoochee must be bridged, and our Pontoniers must 
do the work. Early in the morning they were called out 
and began the work. The river being very much swollen, 
and very swift, and there being large quantities of drift, it 
was a difficult undertaking to lay a bridge. Twice the end 
s^^■unti: around before the two shores were connected. In 
the latter part of the day there was not so much drift, and 
bv the middle of the afternoon the bridge was completed. 
As soon as the way was open troops and wagons began to 
cross, going to the rear. A Brigade of the 20th Corps 
crossed last night on the trestle bridge just before it was 
swept away. General Garrard's cavalry, sixteen hundred 
strong, came from the lett of the army and camped near us, 
this afternoon. The 17th Indiana is in this command and 
several of the boys visited friends in our camp. 

There are many rumors afloat. Certain, it is, that our 
communications with Chattanooga are severed. The rebels 
are crossing the Chattahoochee and moving north, and there 
are rumors that some pf their forces are in middle Tennessee. 
Sound of cannonading was distinctly heard late this atter- 
noon, down the Chattahoochee, and it is evident that war is 
beginning again. During the month of September there 
has been almost an unbroken rest, by the two armies. 

Monday, Octohek 3. — One of the pontoons on this end, 
and two on the other, were on the ground this morning, 
caused by the river falling during the night. Alter a break- 
fast job, lasting until eight o'clock, the bridge was shortened 
to suit the present size of the river. General Garrard's 
forces crossed to the northern bank. A small wagon train 
was passed to the south side. General Kilpatrick's train of 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RE(tIMENT. :{7:) 

two hundred wagons had come up from the iSandtown 
regions to cross here ; the bridge there had been washed 
away. The ist and 3d Divisions,, of the 4th Corps, then 
came up from Athmta and crossed over. The 2d Division 
had gone some days ago on the cars. 

Our Regiment laid a second bridge during the forenoon. 
The Tennessee Pontoniers put down one. The trains and 
troops continued to cross all night. 

Tuesday, October 4. — The repairing corps is removing 
a large drift, collected about the abutments of the old rail- 
road bridge. Here, recentlv, was a wagon bridge, and 
another is to be built. This corps is repairing the railroad 
bridge. 

The most of the armies of the Tennessee and the Ohio 
have been crossing to-da^'. The wagons are still rolling 
over as I write — eight p. m. Tlie 20th Corps remains at 
Atlanta. 

I have no detinite information of the movements of the 
rebels. Thev must be moving northward in force, or General 
Sherman would not be sending all his army in that direc- 
tion. Camp tales assign Longstreet, or Beauregard, to the 
command of the rebel army. After entrenching on the 
West Point railroad the}^ are said to have crossed the Chat- 
tahoochee in force, and are now moving for the AUatoona 
Mountains. Our people moved out from Marietta to the 
Kenesaw Mountain, this morning, and occupied the rebel 
works. There is a prospect of a battle in a few days. 

We hear more idle tales afloat, when our communications 
are cut, than we do genviine news when the papers come reg- 
ularly to camp. We now hear great tidings from Rich- 
mond, chiefly brought b}^ the "grape vine" line. These 
rumors are all encouraging ; showing at least that the army 
is in good spirits. 

Our arm}^ has been very much rested by their month's 
quiet. Nearly all the articles needed for the good of the 
soldiers have been procured. The men almost look like 
new men. Many of the gun carnages have been repaired 



.'{7(; CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THF. 

and repainted. The Army of the Tennessee have the best 
horses and mules. Those of the Cumberland and Ohio 
never will recover from the severe East Tennessee campaign. 

The men are full of life and in good spirits. We have 
plentv of rations for several days. But the forage is about 
exhausted. Something must be done immediately to open 
our communications. 

We have orders to get read\^ six hundred feet of our bridge, 
for marching. The Army of the Ohio is over, with all its 
transportation. The transportation of the Army of the Ten- 
nessee is not all over yet. The Army of the Tennessee 
pontoons are poor affairs. They now have dow"n but the 
fourth bridge of the campaign, and it is badly in need of 
repair. 

Mondav, the 3d inst., the veterans of the loth Indiana, 
136 strong, joined our command. They are quartered on 
the left of our Regiment. They seem to be very good sol- 
diers. 

■ The grand army is gone. One Brigade of the 20th Corps 
remains at this point as a garrison. The 58th Regiment is 
encamped on a hill w^hich commands the railroad bridge. 
Yet the brilliant genius in command of this post wants this 
hill evacuated. If the enemy had it, our other works on 
this side of the river would be completely enfiladed. The 
Colonel commandini^ — I have not seen him — must be a burn- 
ing and shining light, in the military galaxy. 

Rumor this evening (October 5th) places the rebel army 
at Dallas. Thev are rapidly advancing, occupying our old 
w'orks and fortilying. There is said to have been skirmish- 
ing at Big Shanty, and in the neighborhood of Lost Moun- 
tain, this morning. It is probable that Selma will be the new 
base for the rebel armv, and the railroad to Jacksonville the 
line of operations. This is a splendid mtnement lor them. 
May its splendor be dimmed in the lirst contest. This may 
come to-morrow, or next day. 

Thursday, October 6. — It has rained nearly all day. 
We seem to be in the midst of a rainy season. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA PvEGDIENT. 377 

The garrison here is putting up tieki works. These com- 
mand the approach to the bridge, when the enemy comes up 
the river. But no provision is being made to meet an enemy 
coming down. There are ah'ead}^ works which are suitable 
for this, but thev are not vet occupied. General Slocum 
has orders to be well on his guard, in reference to this point. 
There is a rumor that a strong force of rebels are within 
three miles of here, to-da}^. 

The enemv is said to have made a dash on our men at 
Allatoona to-day. Result unknown. 

The great railroad bridge is being slowh^ repaired. There 
is still another span to build. 

Six hundred feet of our pontoon bridging is loaded and 
on the other side of the river, ready to move at a moment's 
notice.. 

Friday, October 7. — An attack on this post is expected. 
Additional ammunition has been issued. New held works 
are being constructed. 

A barrel of whiskey was brought to-day iVom Marietta by 
the commissary. Some officers and men are drunk and ac'.- 
ing the fool. 

Sickness is on the increase. This is usually the case 
when the Regiment is lying in camp. There are several 
cases of scurvy and two of typhoid fever. 

The forage for the horses and mules in the entire army is 
out. We must now depend on grazing. The stock can live 
but a few days on this. Many have died of starvation, and 
many more must shortly die. The army is on short rations. 
No trains are running. No mail goes or comes. 

The timber, on the hill, to the left of our Regiment, has 
been cut down, to prevent it from sheltering an enemy, in 
case of an attack. Not having men enough to hold the line 
to Peach Tree Creek, our left would be greatly exposed. 

Ours is the onlv command in the armv not on short 
rations. 

Monday, October 10. — All has remained quiet to-day at 
DeFour's Ferrv. The enemv have not made their appear- 



fiin CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

ance. Re-enforcements have been received by our people. 
There has been no passing or repassing, except some trains 
of raih"oacl iron, to the rear. Our commuications with the 
rear is still severed. Mails never come. The stock is with- 
out feed. 

The news with us, to-day, is that some days ago the rebels 
made several unsuccessful assaults on our works at Alla- 
toona Pass. They were repulsed, and retreated vmder cover 
of the night, leaving their dead and wounded on the tield. 
Their loss is said to have amounted to 2,000. We hear 
nothing of the movements of the troops who crossed our 
bridge a week ago. From the East we hear that a des- 
perate battle has been fought. The rebels were defeated. 
Thev evacuated Richmond. This came by signals from 
Resaca to Kenesaw, and was seen on the bulletin board 
at Atlanta. We do not know whether to believe all 
this or not, but we note it down as the sum of to-day's 
rumors. 

Speaking on this subject I am led to say that Sergeant 
Wm. Kendall, of Company H, now in charge of the pioneer 
tools, is our most famous grapevine operator. I must do 
him the justice to sav, that he is one of the best posted in 
reference to the current news, of the Regiment. He reads 
all the papers w^e get, and is always making inquiries 
amongst passing troops. But he is famous for giving circu- 
lation to a thousand false tales. No sooner is it known that 
a story came from Bill Kendall, than men begin to laugh at 
it as preposterous. lie is a prophet, also. He is now otier- 
ing to bet freely that wa^ will not leave this camp until peace 
is made. 

One drummer and two filers, of the loth Indiana, took up 
their quarters with our band. They played the retreat 
to-night. 

A parade ground was cleared out to the left and rear ot 
the Regiment. Dress parade was held at 4 : 30 p. m. This 
is the lirst one we have had in this camp. Our men are so 
scattered that it is iiu^on\'iniient to have parade. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGIMKXT. 379 

Several women were in camp to-day, begging. Thev did 
not get anything to eat. Indeed, it is the greatest joke ot' 
the season, tor these women to come begging food from 
soldiers, who are themselves on half rations, because the 
husbands of tliese women are in our rear, cutting off our sup- 
plies. If the men can stop one half, and the women beg 
tlie other, we mav sav our shortest pravers and die at once. 

This is an. exceedingly lovelv night. The air is bracing. 
The moon is shining lovely. The earth has been dried by 
recent rains. The leaves are still green upon the trees. 
Men are sitting about their camp hres. There is no whisky 
in camp to-night. A spirit of cheert'ulness and hilaritv pre- 
vails. Some are talking and laughing. Some are singing. 
Some are playing on some instrument of music. 

I am tryincr to learn a tew lessons in German. I wish 
that I could speak it. Here I close mv rambling records 
for to-day. 

Tuesday, October ii. — The momentous event of to-day 
is the election in Indiana. I dreamed last night that I voted. 
It was late this afternoon. I voted — just as I would have 
done had I been at home — for all the Union ticket. State 
and county, except Colonel Conrad Baker. He once 
insulted me in a small matter, and has never made any 
apology. I bear him no malice, but I cannot vote for him 
under present circumstances — even in dreams. 

I feel a deep interest in the election in Indiana. I hope 
our State will not be handed over to Mr. McDonald, and his 
faction of disappointed and unpatriotic men. He has no 
appreciation of the great struggle we are now engaged in. 
He and his people are devotedly attached to the institution 
of human slavery. Their success would oiih- prolong the 
contest. It must continue until slavery falls. 

The news of the evacuation of Richmond is not contirmed 
to-day. A dispatch from General Slocum, containing yes- 
terda3''s news, has been in* circulation this afternoon and the 
Regiments have been hollowing about it. I had rather have 
a confirmation for to-day. than a rehash of A'esterda\\s tale. 



380 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

I find many men in the army who won't believe anything 
until they hear it several times ; on the same principle of some 
people who tell a lie until they begin to believe that it is true. 
The news from Allatoona Pass is confirmed. It will do to 
tie to. 

Indiana is full of fools and traitors. Between the two 
there is some danger that Joseph E. McDonald has been 
elected governor. My trust is in God. I cannot think that 
He would permit such a calamity to overtake the State. 
Surely there are enough righteous men in Indiana to save it. 

We had a good meeting this evening. Private Henry W. 
Bryant preached on "The Fullness of Christ." One young 
man came forward for the prayers of the Church. 

Wednesday, October 12. — We are still without any 
communication, by rail, with the rear. Telegraphic com- 
munication was restored yesterday. I have not heard a 
single addition to our stock of news from Sherman or Grant. 
In our immediate vicinity, I can only record a slight skir- 
mish on the picket line at Atlanta, the passage of 2,000 beef 
cattle towards Atlanta, and the exit of a large drove of con- 
valescent horses and mules to the rear. 

Work is still progressing on the fortitications. A short 
line has been constructed to-day, to protect our left. 

Our lives are now almost as monotonous as those ol men 
in prison. Entirely cut off from all communication with the 
rest of mankind, and with nothing to attract our attention, 
we are thrown entirely upon our own resources for happiness. 

An election was held yesterday and to-day in the 58th 
Indiana, merely to ascertain the sentiments of the men on 
political questions. The soldiers of Indiana arc not allowed 
to go home to vote, nor to have their vote, cast in the tield, 
counted. In other words, there is a large portion of the 
loyal element of Indiana disfranchised, by the decision of 
the last Legislature, which was largely disloyal. Tliis vot- 
ing in our Regiment, therefore, vVas only to show how we 
would have expressed ourselv^es if we had been given a 
chance. r^ojlowinir is the result : 



FlFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 381 

THE REGIMENTAL VOTE FOR GOVERNOR. lS6/f. 



Sectiox. 



Held and Staff 

Company A 

Company B 

Company C 

Company D_. 

Company E 

Company F 

Company G . 

Company H . 

Company I . 

Company K _. 

First Detachment, loth Indiana_ . 
Second Detachment, loth Indiana. 



Total 

McDonald vote, 34. 



•TJ 



61 

59 

48 

.SI 
34 

48 

49 
41 
49 

28 

50 
41 



H 
pi 



5S 
49 
44 
36 
34 
45 
34 
39 
36 
27 

5" 
41 



569 503 469 



10 
36 
49 
43 
3^) 
3- 
44 
Z3 
39 
36 
20 

50 
41 



34 



Morton's majority', 435. 



There are more McClellan men than McDonald men in 
our Regiment. 

We have no current news to-day, nor confirmation of pre- 
vious rumors of the fall of Richmond. We have no trains, 
mail, or telegraphic dispatches. The mules and horses are 
still without any feed, except a little wild grass from the 
woods and old fields. The weather is exceedingly beautiful 
and pleasant. The nights are cool, but there is no frost. 

Our Regiment is now reporting to the Brigade com- 
mander, of this post, for orders. He belongs to the 3d 
Division, of the 2()th Corps. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



In Camp on the Chattahoochee — Some Exciting Inci- 
, dents to Vary the Monotony — Desertion of Shaw, 
fui.lerton and plerson^ — capture of our mules 
— Exciting but Fruitless Chase — Communications 
with the North Severed — New Recruits — Watch 
Presentation — Non - Veterans Return Home — 
Preparations to Join Sherman in his March to 
Savannah — Leaving our Pleasant Camps. 



SOMETIMES it seems that His Satanic Majesty is in full 
control of our Regiment, and that his emissaries are 
especially engaged in creating trouble in camp. To-night 
(October 13th) was one of such times. When I went to bed, 
about ten o'clock, George W. Howard, of the band, was 
making considerable noise, in his quarters, on our line. 
The Major made him go to bed, wliich was not only tlie 
best thing that could be done for the bo}^, but it also saved 
him from being engaged in a lirst-class row. wliich was tlien 
brewing. 

It seems tliat a few rowdies, in our Regiment, have a 
society of some kind — probably devoted to wliisky and lewd 
women. After I lay down, this evening, I heard a great 
noise in the distance. Soon, the Major was on his feet, 
commanding the guard to arrest the party making the noise. 
The guard started to perform this duty and soon returned, 
bringing some one who had been badly beaten. It was 
McAllister, of Company A. He was recruited last spring 
by Captain C. C. Whiting, He has been in at k\ist one 
Regiment, otlier tlian ours, from which he was ncn-er cHs- 
charged. He says he has bi-iMi in llie reliel army, antl was 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 383 

an orderly to General Hardee. He has a brii^dit and intel- 
lectual countenance, but a most villainous eye, and is with- 
out education. He has peculiar talents for singini^ and 
kicking up all kinds ot' gymnastic feats. To-night, he has 
been out, in company with some members of his "society," 
serenading. By this employment, they got enough whisky 
to make the entire company drunk. Some mules and horses 
were to be taken from the corral. On these they were to 
ride, I know not where ; but the brethren fell out by the 
way. McAllister was badly beaten by one Hugh Shaw, the 
most desperate man in the Regiment. Shaw was just trom 
the State prison, when he enlisted in the 58th Regiment, in 
1861. He comes of bad stock. He knows how to behave, 
and can even assume some of the refinements of good society. 
He is smart enough to get along in almost an}^ occupation, 
and is a man of many good impulses and traits. He has 
once been sentenced to death* since he has been in the 
Regiment. He attempted to escape, but w^as recaptured. 
The man who was with him has never been heard of since. 
In company with Shaw, in the fracas last night, were Charles 
Fullerton, leader of the brass band, and James Pierson, alias 
"Turnips." They were all arrested and tied up. 

Friday, October 14. — This has been another beautiful 
and quiet day. We received a mail, but the latest dates 
were the 15th and i6th of last month. At that time com- 
munications wuth the North were open. So this mail has 
brought us nothing new. The rebel army is reported on the 
railroad, between Resaca and Chattanooga. The capture of 
Richmond is still unconfirmed. I am, therefore, satisfied 
that there is no truth in the rumor. I hear again, to-day, 
that Sheridan has again defeated Earh^ in the Shenandoah 
valley. I suppose that this is the same old story, repeated 
for want of something else to tell. If we must liave lies, I 
prefer new ones. I hear also hear that Huford has defeated 
Breckinridge, in Kentucky. This is the first intimation to 

* Tliis was lor a brcacli ol" discipline at Dcchcrd, Tenn., in iS6j. Sec 
page 84. 



H84 CHAPLAIN IIIGHT'S HISTOID OF TllK 

nu" tliat either of thoni was in the bluegrass conimonweahh. 
There is great danger that Breckinridge mav carry off some 
of the more enthusiastic McClellan men into the rebel army. 
With these brief rumors and surmises, and this old mail, ends 
our communications with yonder world. We cannot see as 
much of it as the inhabitants of the moon, for to them it 
appears as a large, beautiful orb. We see a few yards of a 
dirty river, and the adjoining hills. Meanwhile, the stock 
of rations is getting smaller, and the mules and horses are 
starving. 

The young rowdies of last night's debauch are on latigue 
duty to-day, except McAllister, who has not sufficiently 
recovered. Howard was released at noon. In the forenoon, 
they worked on the entrenchments, and in the afternoon they 
buried mules and dug up stumps. 

Saturdav, October 15. — Charles Fullerton, Hugh Shaw 
and James Pierson deserted last night. The}^ are notorious 
rascals. Everybody seems glad that they are gone. 

Sunday, October 16. — We received a mail this at'ternoon. 
There were no dates later than the ist inst. Tiiere is great 
rejoicing in camp, as the men read the names of the drafted. 

It seems that Hugh Shaw, Charles Fullerton and James 
Pierson, who deserted us Saturday' night, have joined a 
band of rebel marauders, who are now infesting the sur- 
rounding regions. As we liave no mounted men, our 
forage parties are almost entirely at tiieir mercy. Earh- 
Ihis morning, as usual, the mules and horses, under the 
drivers, protected bv only thirteen guards, imder Lieutenant 
Robert Cromwell, were sent out to graze. The mules 
were taken two miles up Peach Tree Creek, and crossed 
over on a bridge, into an old field, where they were graz- 
ing. This is the second bridge on the creek ; the hrst 
one is near the mouth. In several places between these, 
footmen can cross. Ikit in most places the water is deep 
enough to drown a man or mule. Just abov-e tiie place 
where the mules were feeding therq is another liridge, on a 
road leadinn- from Atlanta to Pace's Eerrw A short (lis- 



FIFTY-EKxHTH INDIA^W REGIMENT. 385 

tance out this road it is crossed by another bridge, leading 
iVom the mill, near our camp, to Buck Head. These two 
roads and the creek form an angle ; in this, the mules were 
I'eeding, as stated above. Lieutenant Cromwell posted his 
men in the neighborhood of the road tiiat crosses the creek, 
but left the Buck Mead road unguarded. At the same time, 
Captain William E, Chappell, with sev^en men and three 
wagons, went out hunting for lumber. He left two of iiis 
men on this side of the creek, and went with the other fiv-e 
to the Buck Head road for lumber. He posted Henry C. 
Wyalt and George W. Martin, out in advance, on tiiis road, 
as videttes. 

In the meantime, an old citizen, passing by, on his way 
to mill, called Lieutenant Cromwell and cautioned him to 
be on his guard, as there were rebels about. To this, it 
seems, no attention was paid by the Lieutenant, as it was 
not believed there were any rebels near. Three men, two 
in Union uniform and one in citizen's dress, came by Ser- 
geant Berr}^, of Lieutenant Cromwell's command. The 
men carefully kept their hands on their guns, as they 
approached. They said: "Hello, boys! wiiat are you 
doing here? Where do you belong? At Gain's Ferry?" 
The}^ then further asked, "Have 3'ou seen any rebels 
about here to-day?" They then passed on. After 
they were gone, the Sergeant spoke to a man on duty 
near, about these three fellows. They all agreed that 
"they looked at us suspicioush'." The Sergeant, at first, 
thought that they were scouts, but afterwards concluded 
that they were rebels. The other man said, "they are 
scouts, and are suspicious that we are rebels." The 
Sergeant was impressed that if they were rebels, it would 
not do to arrest them, for said he, "when the first gun was 
fired they would all be on us, and what could thirteen men 
do?" It was afterwards discovered that two of these men 
were scouts, and one a spy — all belonging to our army. 
They had seen the rebels a short time before. Why they 
did not tell our boys of this, 1 am unable to sav. 



38G 



CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



Wvatt and Martin left their ]:)()st and wandered along the 
Buck Head road, at least a mile, to a house where some 
women live. The women told them that the rebels had been 
there, that morning, and would soon return, and that they 
had better leave, but our boys paid no attention to this advice. 
Soon the rebels came from the direction of Buck Head. 
Wyatt and Martin were made prisoners. The scouts had seen 
them shake hands, and heard one say, "How are you, 
Shaw? " The scouts did not belong to our command here, 
but to Atlanta. Thither they went, immediately, carrying 
such news as they had picked up. 

Captain Chappell looked down the road and saw about 
twenty rebels, mounted, and charging on his little party. 
His three men were loading- boards. He commanded them 
to get their guns, but the rebels w^ere too 
close on them. They fled into the tim- 
ber, followed bv Edward Mason, of Com- 
panv D, the hostler for the field and staft' 
otiicers. The rebels called aloud for a 
halt, and began firing. Mason obeyed 
and was marched off by the rebels, on 
double quick. The remainder of the 
party trusted to the brush and escaped. 
In the head of a little ravine, under some 
green briars, Captain Chappell sought shelter and found 
safety. The rest of the party also escaped. A short distance 
farther on, the road leads by the field, where the mules were 
grazing. Into this field, the rebels, some twenty strong, 
charged with a loud yell. They had passed by the left flank 
of the guards. One man of the thirteen — Henry Beck — 
fired on the rebels. The remainder of the guards fled, seek- 
ing safety for tliemselves. Several of them state tliat tiiey 




LIEUT. S. F. UTLEY, 

Company K. 



* Was mustered in with the Regiment at Camp Gibson, and served in the 
ranks until November, 1864, when he was promoted to Second Lieutenant of 
Company K. He was mustered out with tlie Regiment as First Lieutenant. 
Since the war, he has been engaged, principally, in tanning, ami now resides 
near Waterloo, Kansas. 



FIFTY-ETGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. V,M 

might have delivered efficient shots, but they tlioiight such 
a course would endanger their safety. 

Other bands of rebels, besides the twent}^ above named, 
dashed into the field ; accounts differ as to numbers. As 
they came in, they shouted, and some discharged their 
pieces. They seemed more bent on making a noise than on 
hurting any one. 

The teamsters dispkwed a most astonisliing ingenuity, and 
alacrity, in fleeing Irom the marauders. Some fled up the 
creek and some down ; some flew rapidly over the bridge, 
like Mohammedan going to Heaven ; some plunged into 
the stream, as Leander did the Hellespont; others, less 
classic, hid in the bushes. The rebels captured but two 
men — Caleb Andrews, of Company E, and William 11. 
Roberts, of Company F, 

M}^ gallant mare caught the spirit of the hour. She 
thought, in imitation of Job's war horse, she would "smell the 
battle afar ofl'.'' In a moment she was over the bridge, and 
soon came dashing by headquarters, with reeking sides. 
She reported at the stable, with the Major's saddle and with 
the horses of the Surgeon and Assistant. 

But an earlier messenger than my mare — but not from the 
scene of action — came to camp. The rebel charge and the 
guns were heard at the picket line. Robert Steel was dis- 
patched to carry the news to Colonel Moore. A few min- 
utes after, Aaron Cloin came dashing into camp, yelling 
as he came: "The rebels are taking the mules as fast as 
they can. If ^^ou want to save any you had better 
hurry." 

Now ensued a scene like that "In Belgium's Capital at 
Night," save the poetry and women. Major Downey laid 
aside the hammer and nails, with which he was working, 
and buckled on his sword. Captain Smith, at the head of 
Company B, led the van, and Captain Evans, wnth Company 
G, followed. Then came the remainder of the Retriment, in 
pell-mell order. Afterwards, the detachments of the loth 
Indiana, came on as re-enforcements. 



:{}!.'{ CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

A swift messenger bore the tidings to Colonel Smith, 
commanding post. He sent out parties in all directions. I 
afterwards saw one of these, having failed to find any rebels, 
paying their attention to persimmons. 

Away went the dashing cavalcade, on foot. In one respect, 
I am much like other men — not afraid when there is no dan- 
ger. So I went along. Up the first hill we went on double 
quick. Here is a mule driver minus his hat. Here are two 
men mounted on mules. Still we meet them, coming from 
all directions. Some are without hats, and some are wet 
from sw^imming the creek. All brought us some news, but 
their accounts did not agree. The time which had elapsed 
since the rebels left was stated at from five to thirty minutes. 
All the mules were gone, except a few which were ridden 
ofr by the drivers, and a few more that were wandering 
about, loose. 

The pursuit was continued about a mile. At the house 
where Wyatt and Martin were captured, the column was 
halted, the enemy being thirty minutes in advance. Cap- 
tains Smith and Evans, who were in advance, thought it 
useless to continue the pursuit, as the rebels could not be 
overtaken. The Major accordingl}' marched the Regiment 
back to camp. I thought at the time, that we should have 
gone farther. I believe many of the mules might have been 
overtaken before dark. Our losses were five men, one 
wagon, three hundred and eighty-five mules and four horses. 

The adventure was a complete success — for the rebels. 
They did not lose a man killed, and, perhaps, none 
wounded. Everything worked in the most charming man- 
ner for them. They captured more tiuin $50,000 worth of 
property. Upon oin* part, there is scarcely a creditable item 
connected with the entire afiliir. From beginning to end, 
there was an utter w^ant of judgment and energy ; but I 
refrain from comments, as the case is bad enough on a 
]-)lain statement of the facts. 

Wednesday, October 19. — A party, under Captain \'o()r- 
hees, went as far as Buck Head, to-day, to gather up strag- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 3fi0 

gling mules. The expedition was unsuccessful. Informa- 
tion received confirms the fact that Shaw, Fullerton and 
Pierson were guiding the rebels in their raid yesterday.* 

The wagon bridge is being repaired by a lazy set of fel- 
lows, called 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. I went 
to see liow they were getting along, this morning. They 
are, principally, engaged in doing nothing. It would have 
a wholesome effect to send them to the front a while. Their 
places could well be supplied by men who have been exposed 
to bullets for a campaign or two. When men realize that 
"they have a good thing of it," as it is expressed in the 
army, they are too prone to become careless and indifferent. 
This is true at home as well as here. 

There is an order this evening "to be ready tor an 
attack, momentarilv expected." It seems the rebels had 
burned a train beyond Vining's Station. An order came 
for three commissioned officers and one hundred and fifty 
men to report at the pontoon bridge. The Colonel called 

* These rebel raiders were known as Graham scouts, and were, at this, 
time, in command of Captain Harris, who is now (1S95) a successful physi- 
cian in Muskogee, Indian Territory. By request, Captain Harris writes the 
following, as his recollection of this exciting event, from a rebel standpoint: 

"Our Graham scouts were bivouacked twentv-five miles above the bridge, 
on the river, resting our horses, after some hard marching and a fight, two 
days before, at Marietta. 

"One afternoon a picket came in in charge of three deserters from the sSth 
Indiana Regiment. I think their names were Shaw, Pearson and Fullerton. 
They informed us that the .sSth Indiana grazed, every day, five hundred 
mules, near the camp, and urged us to go at once and take the mules in, 
reserving to themselves, not only the honor of piloting the scouts, but of 
leading the charge. After assuring them that if an_y trick or misrepresenta- 
tion developed the\' would be shot, instantly, the scouts, about fifty in num- 
ber, were ofi', with 'our pets," as we called them, at the head of the column. 
In four hours the five hundred mules were thundering along at a break-neck 
gait up the river, with 'our pets,' who, a few minutes before, had led us on to 
victor\-, now bringing up the rear. Knowing the coimtry thorouglily, and 
by a circuitous route, we soon make good our escape, with both mules and 
prisoners. Shaw and Fullerton remained with the scouts, and rendered good 
service to the rebel cause, until the end. Still, I think the part they played 
was prompted more by a spirit of revenge than love for the 'lost cause.' 
They received an insult (real or imaginary, I cannot say) from a superior 
officer, which led them to the desertion, as I remember it. 

"In the language of the immortal Lincoln, 'With charity for all," I am, 

"Wry truly yours, 

"C. 'HARRIS."' 



aOO CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

out the Regiment and counted oiY one hundred and iilty 
enlisted men. It took all the Regiment, except Company 
B. They were marched ot^' with all their officers, and no 
rations or blankets. Old soldiers only take what they 
are ordered to take. 

The inspector of the 20th Corps has been here, to-dav, 
inquiring into the capture of the mules, yesterday. It won't 
bear investigation. 

Thursday, October 20. — Early this morning the detach- 
ment sent out last evening, under Major Downey, returned, 
tired and hungry. Man}^ of them had had neither supper 
nor breakfast. They went up the railroad, last night, to the 
wreck of a train destroyed by the rebels, a few miles beyond 
Vining's Station. Darkness soon came upon them. They 
went straggling along the track, sometimes having out 
skirmishers. On the march, some of the men in Com- 
pany K saw the signal light on Kenesaw Mountain, more 
than five miles off. They thought they saw men about 
the tire, and, imagining that it was near, and was the 
burning train, with rebels about it, did not wish to 
advance. 

Our men did not know whether the train was in the pos- 
session of friend or foe. Thev, therefore, approached cau- 
tiously. A volley was poured into them, by an unseen 
enemy, who immediately fell back. Many of our men 
returned the tire. One man fired, threw down his gun, and 
fled towards the rear, carrying several thoughtless men along. 
It is easy to communicate a panic, especially when in the 
dark. These men were rallied by Major Downey, and soon 
the fn-ing ceased. A cautious advance was made, when the 
supposed enemy was found to be some of our own people, 
from an Illinois Regiment. Fortunately, nobody was hurt. 
Our men remained all night, and returned this morning, on 
the cars. 

Monday, Octobk:r 24. — Dr. Iloltzman returned, last night, 
from the North, having walked twenty-five miles, where the 
railroad was not repaired. Lieutenant Behm got a wagon. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. ;191 

and we went out to where Mr, Howell's house had stood, 
for brick to make a chimney. The Regimental provost 
guards went along. We came to the ruins of a once splen- 
did mansion. Nothing was left of it, save the remains of the 
cooking stove, and some piles of bats. Fences and all were 
gone. Several lines of entrenchments were dug where the 
house and garden used to be. While we were engaged in 
digging amongst the bats for whole brick, my mind was 
busy, comparing the past with the present. Here lived a 
rich southern planter — a rank rebel. When the war began, 
no doubt, he rejoiced. He sent his sons into the army. 
Often the war news was dispatched in his mansion. Here 
there was rejoicing, again and again, when the Yankees 
were defeated. Little did these people suppose that the tide 
of war would roll all the way from the Kentucky border to 
their very doors ; little did they, in their haughty pride, 
imagine that hated Yankees would dig up their tields, burn 
their fences, and tear down their houses. Now, they flv, 
while a Yankee preacher is digging up the foundation bricks 
with which to build himself a chimney to his cabin in camp, 
near by. 

And wh}^ all this? Why does God permit these things? 
It is because they are the champions of slavery, and we of 
freedom. The story of the war is long, but the moral is 
short. "In such a contest," said Jefterson to the South, 
"there is no attribute of DeitA^ that can take sides with 
us." 

While eating supper, this evening, I thought I heard a 
church call. But, as I knew there was no meeting, I sup- 
posed that I was either mistaken, or it was in some other 
Regiment. After eating, I noticed lights in the little arbor 
we call oiu" chapel. Theie was also singing, and a crowd 
about the door. Lieutenant Behm suggested that we go 
down. I told him I would not, as I did not know what was 
going on, and I had not been invited. I began to feel that 
my dignity had been, in some way, compromised. Now, 
said I to myself, some humbug of a fellow has come along, has 



;}!I2 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

had the church call sounded, and has gone into the chapel, 
without telling me. I thought to myself, I will give the 
bugler some further instruction not to sound the church call, 
without my request, or the order of the Regimental com- 
mander. I went into the Colonel's tent to hunt a newspaper 
to read. I saw Orderly Spain, as I entered the tent. lie 
looked like he was hesitating about going to church. He 
seemed to be looking to see if I was going. When he saw 
me enter the Colonel's tent, he came in, and said, "Chap- 
lain, they want you down at the church.'' "Who?" I 
inquired. "The 58th," was his reply. I asked, "Had I 
not better black m\' boots, and brush my clothes?" "Oh, 
no," said he, "that is no use." He then walked out. I 
went into my tent, combed my hair, changed coats, and 
brushed the brick dust off my boots. I then went with Ser- 
geant Spain to the chapel, without speaking a word to him. 
Seeing a vacant seat behind the stand, I went there and sat 
down. They were singing some hymn, as I entered. The 
house was full, and there was a crowd outside. As soon as 
the singing was oyer. Private P. W^. Wallace offered prayer. 
He then asked me to stand by the side of the table, while he 
uncovered a neat gold watch. He told me that it was 
designed as a present for me, from the Regiment. It was a 
token of their esteem. I cannot call to mind all he said. I 
got along very well, until he gave me the watch, and sat 
down. I was greatly at a loss, to know what to say. I 
made "a few broken remarks," as preachers sometimes say. 
I attempted to express my gratitude, but my effort was a 
failure. As Dr. Daily used to say, "I was not competent to 
the emergency." After all was over, some collected around 
me, and expressed their satisfaction that the\' had surprised 
me. 

I am very proud to receive this walcli. In itself, it is a 
gem. It is a beautiful American watch, eigliteen karat fme, 
purchased by Dr. Holtzman, for the Regiment, in Newark, 
N.J. It cost $206, and it is just such a watch as I have 
long desired to possess. 



FIFTV-EKiJITll INDIANA KKdlMEXT. 393 

But, tlicn, the best of all is, it is a present from my Regi- 
ment. 1 treasure it chiefly on this account. If I live, I 
desire to carr}^ some memorial of my soldier life. I desire 
something to remember mv tellow soldiers by. Some of our 
officers have received swords. These must be laid aside 
when peace returns. But I can carry this watch while life 
endures. It will not only remind me of the happy da3^s of 
my soldier life, and of the comrades of my campaigns, but 
also of the coming night when no man can work. I am 
encouraged and strengthened b}^ this testimony of the love 
of my parishoners. May these bonds of love never be 
broken . 

Formerly there stood somewhere about this ferry, a large 
pine tree. It had been partly burned, and the pitch ran out 
of tlie sides and hung in large lumps. It long stood in this 
condition. From it, the place received the name of the 
Standing Pitch Tree. The neighboring stream was named 
Pitch Tree Creek. The place has now lost this name, and 
that of the stream has been corrupted to Peach Tree Creek. 
There is a street in Atlanta called Peach Tree street, from 
this creek. 

The name Cliattahoochee means in the Cherokee tongue, 
"blossoming rocks." I have read in some of the papers 
that this name refers to some beautifid rocks, somewhere 
about the stream. I have never seen them. Any one 
acquainted with the bed of the stream would understand the 
propriety of the name. The stones seem to blossom at the 
bottom of the stream. The bed is so rough that, even where 
fordable, a horse can scarcely walk, and canvas pontoons 
are badly cut up. 

But little has been said by me, in these records, of the 
horrors of the slave system of the South. Our campaigns 
have been so active, and our conveniences for writing so 
poor, that many thrilling accounts have not been written 
down. I hope, shortly, to place in my Journal some items 
of interest in reference to the negroes. I e\i)oct to live to 
see the end of the acciii-sed s\-st(Mu and all its defcndei-s. 



894 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

l^)sttM"it^■ will never be able fully to comprehend the abomi- 
nations of slavery. I was deeply impressed with the 
language of Coheleth, when reading it yesterday: 

"So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under 
the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no 
comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power: but they had 
no comforter. Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead, more 
than the living which are yet alive. Yea, better is he than both they, which 
hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the 
sun." — Eccles. 4: 1-3. 

Friday, October 28. — We now receive a small mail 
every day. We are getting a few papers, and we will soon 
catch up with the news. Five carloads of forage reached 
Atlanta to-day. This is the lirst that has come since the 
destruction of the railroad bridge by the great freshet. 

We are under orders to be ready to march. Our Quarter- 
master, Lieutenant Torrence, drew four hundred and sixty 
mules, to-day, to supply the place of those captured and 
starved. It is a sorry lot. 

Lieutenant Williams, of Colonel Buell's staff, arrived 
to-day from Chattanooga. 

A number of through trains came in to-day from Chatta- 
nooga. Our communications are once more open. 

We have been hearing from the elections in Indiana, 
Ohio and Pennsylvania for some days. All loyal men in 
the army are greatly rejoiced at the result. 

We expect to move in a few days. The 20th Corps is 
ordered to send all surplus baggage north, to be stored. 

Colonel George P. Buell arrived, October 30th, from a 
furlough of twenty da}'s, outside of the department. He 
has added much to both ends of it. He is in excellent 
health and spirits. He has been laboring with his usual 
earnestness in his absence. He has procured three hundred 
d."afted men, who will be on in a few da\'s. This will be a 
valuable addition to our niunbers. If the 10th Indiana can 
only be assigned to the Companies, wt' will have a pretty full 
RcLnment. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 895 

Monday, Octoher 31. — The most of the mysteries about 
our rumored march are to-day solved, b\' riunor. It is said 
the 20th, the 14th, 15th and 17th Corps, under General 
Sherman, are going on an expedition to Savannah, Ga. Our 
Pontoon train goes with Sherman's headquarters. We will 
start in a few days. 

An order was to-day (November 2d) received by Colonel 
Buell, to assign the loth Indiana detacliments to our Com- 
panies. Colonel Moore will do this bv letting each man go 
to the Company of the same letter, as that to which he 
belonged in the loth. Tliis will give : ati^faction, and will 
be eminentlv just and proper. I am told that this will add 
one hundred and sixty men to our Regriment. 

A dispatch was received, informing the Colonel that Gen- 
eral Sherman will not need us. We then began to give up 
all hopes of going. If we are not permitted to go I will be 
greatly disappointed. I have seen a> much of the country 
north of us as I desire. I have spent two winters campaign- 
ing in Tennessee. I would prefer wintering farther south ; 
I would like to see something of real Dixie. 

But in the afternoon, when Colonel Buell came back from 
Atlanta, he brought word that we were to accompany Sher- 
man. Preparations to march accordingly go forward. Our 
baggage is to be cut do^^n, the Compan}- books must be 
boxed, and the papers put in the valises. 

Thursday, November 3. — I enter the following state- 
ments, gathered from our Adjutant's monthl}^ return lor 
October. Total number of officers, twenty-six, all are pres- 
ent ; enlisted men present, four hundred and seventy-seven, 
absent, one hundred and six — total five hundred and fifty- 
three ; sick and present, seventeen ; sick, absent, sixty-one. 
These numbers are included in the present and absent above. 
The aggregate is five hundred and eighty-four. This exclu- 
sive of the non-veterans. 

According to the instructions of our Regimental Christian 
Association, letters have been prepared in these words: 



V,){\ CHAPLAIN' HKIHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

R. R. Brid(;e, Chattahoochee River. Ga.,) 
November 4th, 1S64. ) 
To all -vJioin if may concern: 

This is to certify that , of Company- , is a member in good stand- 
ing of the Christian Association of the 5Sth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, 
infantry, and as such, we commend him to the brotherly regard o\' all chris- 
tians, of whater name, wherever his lot may hereafter be cast. 

By order of the Christian Association. 

H. W. Bryant, Moderator. 
Jacob Davis, Clerk. 
Approved: John J. Might, 

Chap. sSth Ind. Vol. 

This certificate was giv-en to Abner M. Bryant, Qiuirter- 
master-Sergeant ; Sergeants Andrew Gudgel and Jason H. 
Crow ; Corporal A. R. Redman, and Privates P'rank Broad- 
well, Henry Beck and Charles Poorlev, of Company A ; 
Sergeants Ebenezer Keeler, W. B. Crawford and Solomon 
Reavis, and Privates J. R. Roseborough and P. W, Wal- 
lace, of Company B: Sergeant Pleasant N. Spain and Pri- 
vate N. Smith, of Company C ; Corporal Samuel Sh^, of 
Compan}^ F ; Private John A. Everett, of Company H. 

Friday, November 4. — Colonel Moore has been to 
Atlanta to see the Paymaster about paying our Regiment. 
There seems to be a difficulty somewhere about paying us. 
The families of many soldiers are sadly in need of funds 
We read in the papers that the mone}^ has been provided, 
and it is a pity red tape cannot be cut and the men paid 
before they start on a new campaign. 

The non-veterans, whose term expires on the 12th inst., 
went to Atlanta, to-day. In their departure we lose a num- 
ber of good men from our christian community. 

I can almost realize the sorrow of Rachel o\'er her chil- 
dren, in parting with these members of my army ilock. I 
can tind but little to comfort me. The wind howls dismally 
about my tent, and tlie cam]")aign before us looks dreary in 
th'ir absence. I nt'ver frh morr h)nt'lv since entering the 
arm\', save afU'r the shuighlcr of nian\- of \n\ Iriends, at 
Chickamauga. I am hrtttT ahlr to appreciate the h)vi' ol 
l)a\i(l ami [oii;illi;in , than on d" bi-roi'c. TIh'\- \\('i"(' soUlicrs ; 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 397 

their hearts were knit together by common trials and 
fatigues. Their love was stronger than the love of woman. 
Thus, soldiers arc attached. Such partings as that of to-day, 
recall home and all its joys, and bring before us all the toils, 
still to be endured in the held. But let us button our soldier 
coats up to the chin, and be like John Brown's soul — 
"marching on." 

Seventy-six of our drafted men came to vis November 6th. 
They have been led hither and thither by various ignorami, 
3xlept commissioned officers. The last one they were fol- 
lowing, passed on. If they had kept on following their 
blind guides they might, perhaps, have put in the remainder 
of their term. One of our men happened to be on the road 
where the drafted men were passing, told them where the 
Regiment was. So they came up, while their officers passed 
on. They were divided amongst the Companies for the 
night. The boys treated them very cleverly ; they took 
them into their houses and made them comfortable. 

The next morning our new recruits were marched in front 
of the headquarters. There are only a few weakly men 
among them. Upon the average, they are larger men than 
those now in the Regiment. They are furnished with 
clothing, knapsacks, and tents. They are deficient in shel- 
ter tents and gum blankets. Some of them desire great 
coats. But this is an article that will not pay soldiers to 
carry in this climate. It cannot be worn on the march. 
The drafted men express themselves as agreeably surprised 
at the kind treatment they receive in the Regiment. Thus 
far, they have been herded, like so many mules, but now 
they begin to receive courteous treatment. Usually, they 
are astonished to find so much good breeding and morality 
in the Regiment. They have shared the usual ideas, enter- 
tained at home, that the army is a bedlam, and the soldiers 
heathens. They now find that men are as good here, if not 
better, than at home. The great courtesy of our old soldiers 
towards their new fellows is a matter of pleasure to me. I 
took occasion to urge this course upon the men, a few Sab- 



H98 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE 

baths ago. But, I suppose, it would liave been the same, 
anyhow. I liave not heard of a single taunt. Not a man 
has been heard to sav, "IIow are you, conscript? How arc 
you to-day?" 

I have not learned exactly what proportion of them are 
drafted and what substitutes. One man was pointed out to 
me who had received i^i ,000 for coming in some other man's 
place. A little, hardy, German came up this morning. Pie 
had served three years in the 24th Wisconsin. He has come 
out again, for one year, as some man's substitute, for ^1,000. 
It is astonishing to me, that a man in ordinary tinancial cir- 
cumstances and good health, will be so foolish as to sink a 
thousand dollars to keep froin going to war, for one year. 
They must think it an awful thing to go to war. It would 
make men of some of them, to serve a twelve-month in the 
army. But so it is — they won't come. The consequence 
is, that much of the wealth of the country will be transferred 
from those "who will only talk," to those "who will fight." 

Many of our new men are Germans. These make the 
best of soldiers. 

After asking their names, and ascertaining whether or not 
they were mechanics, the following assignments were made : 

To Compan\' A 7 

To Company B 10 

To Company C i 

To Company E 18 

To Company G . 10 

To Companj- II . 2^ 

To Company K .. .. 9 

Total 78 

Most of this number are from the 2d Congressional Dis- 
tiict, but some are from the i ith. No choice of Retjiments 
was given them. It would have been more pleasant, if men 
from the ist District could have been assigned to the 58th. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Moore consultc>d iheir wishes, as far as 
he could, in assigning them to Companies. 

•The loth Indiana, having been assigned to the dilTerent 
Companies, was, to-day, ordered to change' their quarters. 



FIFTY-EICtHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 300 

They are distributed, according to their letters in the loth, 
as follows : 

To non-commissioned staft" i 

To Company A -- 

To Company B n 

To Company C i7 

To Company D. 3<> 

To Company E 1 13 

To Company V -5 

To Company Cx it 

To Company II <'> 

To Company I i''> 

To Compati\- K i- 

Total from loth Indiana 164 

Telegrams were received, to-dav, by Colonel Buell, 
informing him that the other drafted men had been started 
from Dalton. We will soon have a large Regiment. 

The excitement about the march has passed away. The 

remainder of the armv has encamped a few miles in our 

n rear. Their wagons are passing to 

fi Atlanta to draw rations. It is said that 

we will not marcli until the election is 

over, and the men paid. 

^ f ''' M\ jA This afternoon a small squad of rebel 

■ i^ iJ^^' cavalrv crossed the Atlanta road, cap- 

' ^X '^- ' -,*«■,' turing a few mules and a wagon or two, 

LT"!!! . '*^' r' and mortallv wounding the vidette. Our 

THos. J. HADDOCK * Regimeut fell in in great haste and ran 

Private Company K. 1 .1 '^ J ,11 

towards the scene, recruits and all. 
Colonel Buell, not understanding the nature of the country, 
made a bad disposition of his forces. Instead of immedi- 
ately possessing the bridges and fords on Peach Tree creek 
and the Buck Head road, he ran after the rebels. Of 
course, we did not overtake them. They crossed the 
bridges before we got to them. I returned from the chase, 
verv tired. 




k 



* Was mustered in Decemlicr, 1S61 , and served three years. He is now 
(1895) livin<( in Lowndes, Wayne eonnty, Missouri, 



4-00 



CHAPLAIN HIGHT'8 HISTORY OF THE 



An election for President was held, this evening, as a test. 
Company E did not vole. The following is the result : 

THE REGIMENTAL VOTE FOR PRESIDENT, I864. 



Section. 



Field and Staft". 

Company A 

Company B 

Company C 

Company D.. __ 

Company' V 

Company G 

Company H 

Company I 

Company K 

Band ..1 



Total 306 



10 
■43 
33 
40 

31 
35 
33 
36 

25 

17 

3 



3 

7 

4 

16 

I 
13 



76 230 



The recruits do not seem inclined any more for McClel- 
lan tlian the old soldiers. 

The detail who went to Atlanta to-day (November 8) 
report that all citizens are ordered to be out of the city by 
to-morrow morning. The last train of cars leaves Atlanta 
for the North, to-morrow, at twelve m. The city is to be 
evacuated and burned. I cannot vouch for the truth of the 
rumors. I do not know what they indicate, if time. My 
opinion is that Sherman designs to pretend retreat, and then 
turn upon and invade the South. One thing is certain : He 
can only deceive the enemy by misleading us all. He now 
has us all pretty well befuddled in our ideas of his designs. 

We have not received any mail for about two weeks. 

Wednesday, November 9. — I rose, this morning, a little 
after day. While dressing, cannonading began, in the 
direction of Atlanta. Tliis was a strange sound to our ears. 
After a few guns, the liring ceased. But after lireaktast it 
broke out afresh, and continued lor an hour or more. Our 



FIFTY-filGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 401 

train, with guards, was ordered back, after having gone a 
mile on the road towards Atlanta. When the iiring ceased, 
they were again sent forward. This evening, they returned, 
bringing word that the firing of the morning was caused b}'" 
a rebel reconnoissance. Perhaps they desired to know 
whether the place was evacuated or not. They are 
too fast, by a few days. Have patience, my rebel 
friends ; the Gate City will soon be yours — that is, what's 
left of it. 

A telegram, dated November 8, came this evening (Nov. 
lo) giving some rays of election news. It is favorable to 
the re-election of Mr. Lincoln by overwhelming majorities. 
I am much pleased to hear that he is running well in Ken- 
tucky, and has carried Missouri. The doom of slavery is 
now fixed. Thank God for this. 

Special Order, No. 115, from the headquarters of the 20th 
Corps, dated November 2, directs the assignment to Com- 
panies in our Regiment the detachment of tlie loth Indiana 
and the recruits. Fifteen more recruits came up this even- 
ing, ten of which were assigned to Company K, and five to 
Company C. The size of our Regiment is increasing very 
rapidly. 

Friday, November ii. — Our last mail for the North left 
to-day. I have sent oft' my Join^nal up to last night — the 
latest hour. This is fortunate for me ; I did not know at the 
time that our last mail was gone. I became aware of this 
when I saw the order for the destruction of tlie railroad 
bridge, to-morrow. 

The remainder of our recruits, except fifteen, came up 
to-day. They were assigned as follows : Eight to Com- 
pany A, fifteen to Company F, thirteen to Company G, and 
twenty-eight to Company I. 

There will now be about eighty men for duty in each 
Company. This gives us a large Regiment. Colonel Buell 
has recommended a full complement of officers. Several of 
these men are very poor excuses, put forward, to the exclu- 
sion of better men, who stand in the regular line of promo- 



l.()l> CHAPLAIN IIKrllT'S HISTORY OF THP: 

tion. But most of them are meritorious soldiers, and richly 
deserve promotion. 

The drafted men have had sorrowful times getting to the 
Regiment. They have known, since leaving Indianapolis, 
where the 58th was, but the officers in charge seem to have 
been fools. After various delays the men were brought as 
far as Dalton and stopped. After a time, a hundred were 
sent to Atlanta ; the officers in charge of these did not then 
know where to find the 58th. Twenty-iive were detailed 
and sent oft' as a train guard. Several of these latter have, 
in various ways, found the Regiment and straggled to it. 
But most of them are still "at sea." The other seventy-five 
came up, as has been already related, some days since. 
The two hundred at Dalton remained there until Colonel 
Buell sent a telegram lor them. They were then shipped 
on the cars and came as far as Kingston. It so happened 
that our non-veterans, in going North, stopped here and 
drew rations. From this, a rumor prevailed, that the 58th 
Indiana had gone to Chattanooga. The recruits were 
accordinglv shipped for the North, with a design of sending 
them to the 4th Corps, somewhere in middle Tennessee, or 
north Alabama. It was supposed by the officers that the 
58th Indiana was there. Several officers were greatly 
shocked, and used protane language, when the conscripts 
hinted that the 58th Indiana was at Atlanta, instead of in 
General Thomas' new arm v. In keeping with the policy 
which sent some of our men to Vicksburg, in 1863, it was 
determined to send these men to the 4lh Corps. Fortun- 
atelv, some of our non-veterans at Chattanooga came upon 
the drafted men, and reported their case to Captain \"oorhees. 
lie interceded for tlie conscripts, and our new braves were 
once more on tlieir way to the front. The}' came through 
yesterday, on the last section of cars that cami^ to Atlanta. 
These men M^ere drafted in September, for twelve months, 
and more tlian a month of their time has been consumed in 
reaciiing the Regiment. We came near losing them 
entirely on this campaign. When I see business done in 



FIFTY-ETGHTII INDIANA I^EGIMENT. 100 

this style, I can but regret that the Governor, in conferring 
commissions, is unable to give brains, also. The lion's skin 
does not alter the nature of the ass, I often hear these men 
attempt to roar, ])ut it inevitably results in a bray. 

The conscripts, on the average, are larger and older men 
than the volunteers. There is not as much life and enthus- 
iasm depicted on their countenances. They are not the men 
to be carried away by the music of a fife and drum, or tlie 
flapping of the star-spangled banner. Tlie}' are men who 
have fully meditated on bullets and chronic diarrhoea, and 
remained at home. Some of them are as warm blooded as 
anybody, but more urgent duties detained them at home. 
They look to me, as they stand in line, as men of more 
standing in the community than our volunteers. Here are 
more fathers, more men of property, more churchmen. I 
anticipate that they will be a valuable acquisition to our 
Regiment. 

There stands tatber and son — the bo}^ in the front rank, 
and the man in the rear. "This is all the family," said the 
father, "except the mother and the little ones." Perhaps, 
in the same neighborhood, there were entire families of 
grown-up boys, not one of whom was taken. 

Amongst the number, is a man of fifty or sixty years, who, 
for the sake of winning a wife, represented himself as being 
onl}' forty j^ears old. He won the lady and "drew a prize 
in Uncle Sam's lottery." 

There is a Mr. Evans, a brother of Joel L. Evans, of 
Company G, who was wounded at Chickamauga. He was 
mustered, in as his brother was being mustered out, at Indian- 
apolis. He desired to come to this Regiment, but the priv- 
ilege of choosing their commands was not given to the men. 
It so happened that he was assigned to the 58th, by mere 
chance, and got into Cornpan}^ G — the very Regiment and 
Company he desired to join. 

Shelter tents, great coats, ponchos, and rations were issued 
to the conscripts. In some of the Companies, shelter was 
found for them in the quarters already constructed. The 



404 CHAPLAII^ HIGHT*S HISTORY OF THE 

remainder pilclied their shelter tents. They dechire them- 
selves greatly rejoiced at their reception in the Regiment. 

While we were all interested and talking about the con- 
scripts, a great smoke rose in our rear, all the way from the 
river to Vinings, and I soon learned that it was the 17th 
Corps, tearing up and destro^'ing the railroad. Farewell, 
North, "and the rest of mankind." We are now at sea 
initil we reach Savannah, or some other port. 

Sunday, November 13. — Early this morning our e^^es 
once more beheld the grand arm}^ Parts of the 15th and 
17th Corps came pouring over the bridge, and moved on 
towards Atlanta. The part of the i6th Corps which partici- 
pated in last summer's campaign, has been assigned to the 
17th Corps. 

I preached to a good sized congregation at ten a. m. 
Two old and thirteen new soldiers came up and joined our 
Christian Association. Amongst them, is a Mr. Corey, a 
local preacher in the M. E. Church. At two p. m. the 
Bible Class met. We were examining the 8th chapter of 
Matthew, when the assembl}^ was sounded. We brought 
ovu" recitation to a sudden close. The Regiment fell into 
line, without accouterments, and marched toward the river 
to destroy the great railroad bridge. 

After services I walked down to the bridge. The plan 
adopted for destroying the bridge, is to cut each end, knock 
off some of the braces, which are fastened with railroad 
spikes, fasten a rope to the end of the bridge and swing it in 
the same direction that the road runs. It is a trestle work, 
and it would be almost impossible to pull it over, either up 
or down the stream. The rails are not removed, as they 
will be servicable in holding the structure until it loses its 
equilibrium. To cut down the bridge or tear it to pieces 
would be an almost endless task. After remaining for an 
hoiu" or more for the preparations to be completed, I went 
to supper. 

Just after dark, when the moon was shining brightl}', I 
returned to the bridge. Before we came in sight, our ears 



I'IFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGI3IENT. 405 

were saluted by a long, loud, rumblino;, splashing, which 
echoed over hill and valley ; this was followed by a bois- 
terous cheer. We thought all was over, and hurried for- 
ward to see. Soon came another crash — long and loud — 
and then followed another cheer. By this time, we were 
crossing the wagon bridge. Both ends of the bridge had 
fallen, but there were still several spans, of middle portion, 
standing. The men who had been operating on the right 
bank, now cross over to the left. The cable was made fast 
to the end of the part of the bridge still standing. It was 
stretched along the railroad, and the men took hold. 
Altogether, the^^ draw on the rope — again, and still again. 
The great mass of wood and iron swings with the rope, with 
many a crash. "Pull away boys — altogether! Again, and 
again I He-o-heave ! He-o-heave ! He-o-heave ! " The 
fire flashes from the rubbing irons. The whole mass threat- 
ens to fall into the stream. It shakes like an aspen leaf; 
it trembles like Belshaazer of old. "Now ! Now I It will 
come — look — listen — see ! " A loud laugh amongst the Pon- 
toniers — the rope has broken. Again it is adjusted, and 
again all pull together, until the whole bridge catches the 
swing. Finally, the timbers begin to tumble, like men in 
battle ; they dash madly against each other, and amid flash- 
ing Are and splashing waters, the bridge comes thundering 
down, like Satan and his hosts, when hurled from Heaven 
to hell, save two spans, which stand trembling and rocking 
in the channel, like the stones of the Druids — which a child 
can shake, but a strong man cannot overturn. The fall is 
followed by a loud cheer from the Pontoniers. I noticed, 
particularly, that those who had not pulled did none of the 
cheering. The men of Colonel Smith's Brigade, who 
looked on, stood in silence. It is man's nature to believe 
that what he don't help do, isn't worth hollowing about. 

Here, the work was suspended for the night. The men 
were amply repaid for their labor, by the grand and lofty 
tumble, and thundering noise. Joking and laughing, they 
return to their quarters. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



From Atlanta to the Sea — Moving Out from Chat- 
tahoochee — Burning our Quarters — Destruction 
of Atlanta — A Gorgeous Spectacle at Night — 
Pathetic Scenes — The Grand Army Moves Out 
in Three Columns — The Pontoniers Divided — A 
Historic Battlefield — Milledgeville — Bridging 
THE Oconee — Buffalo Creek — Sandersville — 
Ogeechee — Rocky Comfort — Refugees — Heart- 
less Conduct of General Jeff. C. Davis at Buck 
Head Creek — Also at Ebeneezer — Plenty of 
Variety and Excitement to Suit Everyone. 



ON Mondav morning, November 14, we completed our 
arrangements for leaving the Chattahoochee. Up 
and down the banks of this stream we have been campaign- 
inar for several months. Here we have had our abiding 
place since our return after the fall of Atlanta, and the time 
has passed away rapidly and pleasantly. We could easil}' 
make up our minds to remain here for the remainder of our 
term, if our personal comfort was all that is to be consulted. 
]>iit this is not soldiering. A soldier is not to remain idle, 
but must be active in the vocation to which he is called. 
We will, therefore, cheerfully, abandon our pleasant quar- 
ters and go wiiere duty calls. 

It was about eiofht o'clock when the tinishing touches on 
the destruction of the railroad bridpfe were made. It was a 
complete wreck. After this was done our comfortable 
cjuarters were burned. The impression amongst officers 
and men, is, that we are to pass through the country, 
burning as we go. Hence, a commencement is made on 
our own quarters. These shanties could do the enemy no 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 1»>7 

good. They may be worth something to some future 
Yankee army, or to the poor people residing in these parts. 
Finally, all things were ready and the command given, 
"Forward." As the Regiment moved out, it presented the 
appearance of a Brigade, so largely had the Companies 
been recruited. 

We remained several hours b}- the roadside, awaiting the 
passage of the army ; but the Tiber still rolls on. General 
Sherman and statYpass. He had new clothing, and looked 
neater than he ever appeared to me before. But, at his best, 
there are no outward signs of greatness. He appears to be 
a very ordinary man. 

Towards noon, we moved oft', by a road that leads by the 
place where our mules were captured. This is a better 
route to Atlanta than the one traveled by the army, and it is 
but little longer. The country is sterile. There are a few 
little, poor farms; most of the way is an unbroken forest. 
There is but one article to be* found in abundance — wood — 
and that of an inferior quality ; the timber is generally 
scrubby oak. 

As we entered Atlanta we saw in various directions, burn- 
ing houses. The work of destruction has commenced. We 
pass through the city and encamp in the southeastern 
suburbs, where there is no wood, except houses. 

It is now settled that our men are to get no pay, though 
the money is, and has been, for some time, at hand. This 
is bad on the families of the poor. 

We are ordered to march with twenty days' rations and 
four days' forage. We all think that we are destined for 
Savannah. Only a few of the more timid anticipate any 
difliculty from the enemy. If Lee evacuates Richmond to 
meet us, the Southern Confederacy is undone. Even 
tliough he should destroy Sherman's army, Richmond tails, 
and the Confederacy falls soon after. Grant will be as 
strong as ever, and Thomas will soon be as strong as Sher- 
man has ever been in these parts. But Lee cannot destroy 
Sherman, nor even defeat him. We have sixty thousand 



408 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

men, as brave as ever trod the face of the earth. They can- 
not be defeated by any army which Lee can bring against 
us. I wish we had an hundred thousand ; but sixty will suffice. 

It seems to be the general impression in the public mind, 
that this expedition is undertaken because Hood, by his flank 
movements, makes it impossible for Sherman to hold 
Atlanta. But this is a mistake ; this advance was deter- 
mined when Hood was south of us. It would have been 
executed had he remained there. Now, since his removal 
north, Sherman can get along better. Hood is playing into 
Sherman's hands very nicely. 

We lay down to-night on the ground. This goes a little 
tough, after enjoying so long, our pleasant quarters on the 
Chattahoochee. 

Tuesday, November 15. — Late last night I was awakened 
by Colonel Moore coming to the tent door and saying : 
"Well, we divide in the morning: I take the four right 
Companies and half of the train, and march at daybreak, 
wi'ih the 20th Corps, on the Decatur road. Adjutant, you 
will go with Major Downey. Chaplain, you can take your 
choice." I lay awake an hour or two discussing the advan- 
tages of each detachment. I thought of my tent going one 
way and my mess another. I called up in m}- mind the 
probable direction of each party. I thought the 14th Corps 
would be likely to march south, and visit Macon and Mil- 
ledgeville. This, with other considerations, inclined me to 
go with the left wing of the Regiment. So I fell asleep, 
with my mind only partly made up. 

We were up before day. M}^ mind was fully made up to 
accompany the left wing, which goes with the 14th Corps. 
Colonel Moore and Dr. Patten exchange messes with 
Adjutant Behm and myself. At eight a. m., they left us. 
We are to remain in camp until to-morrow. Accordingly, 
the opportunity was improved to have our washing done. 
Colonel Buell had a pontoon drill during the tbrenoon, and 
also reorganized some of tlie squads to suit the division of 
the Regiment into two detachments. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 409 

I have spoken before of the fact that the rebels burned 
many houses, in the outskirts of the city, when they occu- 
pied it. When thev evacuated, they destroyed some build- 
ings containing supplies and ammunition. Many houses 
were badly torn by shot and shell, during the siege. Some 
buildings were burned at the same time, bv us, to give free 
range to our guns, or uncover the rebel sharpshooters. After 
the capture of the city many frame houses, especially in the 
suburbs, were torn down to make huts for the soldiers. 
They were in need of houses, and in no other way could 
these have been easil}" and quickly constructed. 

Since that time, a house has occasionally been destroyed 
by the torch of the incendiary. Of late, it has been known 
to all the army that this citv was to be evacuated. Now, 
when conquerors give up a city, there is a spirit wi'diin man 
which says, "Leave not one stone upon another." People, 
under similar circumstances, often destroy their own cities, 
but, usually, the love of property prevents this. A notion 
has possessed the army that Atlanta is to be burned, but I 
suppose the wish is tather to the thought. This idea has 
been strengthened b}- preparations, which are being made by 
the authorities, to blow up some of the more substantial pub- 
lic buildings. Hence, fires have increased of late, and 
drunken men have destroyed whole blocks. As we entered 
the city, yesterday, many houses were on fire, some of them 
being storehouses and shops, burned by order. The city 
was illuminated all last night, by the lurid glare of the con- 
flagration. This morning, a large cluster of frame hospitals 
in the eastern part of the city were simul'aneouslv given to 
the flames, by men detailed for that purpose. First, there 
was a hammering and banging within, as the kindling was 
being prepared ; and soon the flames began to rise from the 
numerous small buildings. The lumber used in the con- 
struction of the houses was pine, hence the flames spread 
rapidly. The}^ present a brilliancy, the equal of which 
some old firemen had never seen. While this grand sheet 
of flame and smoke, and flying cinders, rolled up into the 



410 CHAPLAIN HIGHT"S IIISTOEV OF THE 

heavens, lesser fires were glowing in all parts of tlie city. 
At the same time, the army, in heavy colnmns, was moving 
east and south from the citv. Eastward marched the 20th 
Corps, the best equipped of the army. The 15th and 17th 
moved south. Long trains of wagons accompany each 
wing. In the camps, deserted by the 20th, in the city, there 
was no end to the trash, some of which is of some value. 
Chairs, camp stools and tables lie in confusion, and there are 
old pots, dishes, fragments of clothing, corn, etc. 

Mere are a compan}^ of poor people, huddled together in 
an open lot. Thev are collecting their scant property from 
their houses, either now burning, or soon expected fo burn. 
Some of the women were crying, some wringing their hands 
in agony, and some praying aloud to the Almighty. How 
far these people are deserving of pity, it is hard to tell. 

A little house, near our camp, was burned. Another fine 
frame residence, near bv, was soon in flames. Tlie fires 
continued to burst out in all parts of the city, most of them 
being the work of incendiaries. It was the design ot the 
authorities to destroy many of the buildings which would be 
of use to the enemv — how man}', I never learned. But, 
even these were not, in most cases, fired by orders, but by 
stragglers. This work of voluntarv incendiarism spread, 
in spite of tlie guards, and resulted in the destruction of a 
large quantity of clothing and salt meat, belonging to I lie 
14th Corps. 

The compact business blocks, in the center of the city, 
were spared until the afternoon. In the morning, some of 
the depots and machine shops were blown up, and in the 
afternoon all were given to the flames. In some of the 
buildings were shells, whicli favored us with frequent explo- 
sions, thus adding the sound of war to the exciting scenes. 
At last, night, which usually puts an end to battles, came, 
but it onlv increased the conflicts of the flames. Such a pic- 
ture as now presented itself to my gaze, I had never seen 
before. Tlie fires in our cities at home sink into insignifi- 
i-ancc, Atlanta seemed a \vvy pandemonium. In all hues 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIJIENT. 4-11 

of glory and terribleness, in all forms and fashions conceiv- 
able, the flames and smoke surged amongst the burning 
buildings, like ocean waves, and struggled upward like a 
thousand banners in the sky. I low many years of toil and 
frugalitv were, this night, reduced to ashes. How many 
loved homes exist no longer, save in memorv. The snn set 
upon a man weahhv : it rose, and found him a beggar. Tlic 
beautiful city has become a desolation. How terrible are the 
retributions of rebellion. How wondrous the judgments of 
an avenging God against the crime of slavery. 

The work of destroving the railroads was carried on very 
busilv to-dav. Our people are making a thorough wreck of 
them. Tl^e rails are torn from the ties, which are tlien piled, 
and hud across them. Tlie ties are then tired, and the rails, 
while red hot in the center, are twisted. A rail, simp]}' 
bent, can be used again, without being taken to the shop for 
repair, but a twisted bar cannot. The instruments for twist- 
ing are two — one is a handspike, a green piece of timber 
about six feet long, and three inches in diameter ; the other 
is a substantial iron hook and ring, fastened together. The 
hook grasps, with an iron hold, upon one end of the flat, 
lower surface of the rail, and througli the ring is placed the 
end of the handspike. At the other end of the bar, there is 
the same arrangement, only for twisting in the opposite 
direction. While one set of hands is twistincf one wav, the 
other holds stead}', or twists in the contrary direction, and 
the center of the rail, being softened by the heat, gives wav 
under the pressure, and twists. Occasionally, an end will 
bend or break. This is hard, hot work ; but strong hands 
and willing hearts make it easy. The boys all like the fun. 

During the day, the 14th Corps came in from the rear, 
and went into camp, east of the city. Onlv Kilpatrick's cav- 
alry are behind. His train went south with the rio-ht winij. 

We learn that the new organization is called the Army of 
Georgia. There is an expression used by passing troops, 
"Same old Regiment — only we have drawn new clothes." 
So this is the same old arnn', witli a new name. 



4-12 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

I cannot speak for other organizations, but in the 58th 
Indiana there is a general regret at parting with General 
Thomas and the Army of the Cumberland. But all have 
confidence in General Sherman, and are enraptured at the 
prospects before us, 

Wednesday, November 16. — While preparations were 
going forward for leaving, I rode over into the central parts 
of the city, to see how things appeared, this morning. 
There were still houses on tire, here and there. All the com- 
pact business blocks are destroyed ; only the tottering walls 
are standing. Provost guards were promenading through 
the desolate streets, to prevent lurther incendiarism. But 
the cavalry are yet to pass, and, how much they will leave, 
I cannot tell. 

The following extract trom a rebel paper, published at the 
time, will show that the Yankees were not the only vandals 
who visited Atlanta. The written invitations sent into the 
countr}^ are a myth : 

REBEL EVIDENCE AS TO HOW THE GEORGIANS 
ROBBED EACH OTHER. 

[from the AUGUSTA CONSTITUTIONALIST.] 

Previous to leaving this citv, the Yankees sent out written invitations to 
the people living in the counties surrounding it, to come in and get ashes at 
cheap rates, in any quantity. The people, however, did not accept the invi- 
tation at tliat time. But soon after the Yankees left the country, people 
flocked hy scores, from all parts of the country', some coming over one hun- 
dred miles. Ever_\- description of vehicle, drawn h\ niules, horses, stallions, 
jacks, jennies, oxen, bidlocks, etc., could be seen upon the streets. The 
scene beggars description. Iron, salt, bacon, flour, sugar, coffee, hides, and 
everything else, left by the Yankees, were imccremoniously deposited in 
wagons and -carts and carried off. 

But our country cousins did not stop at that. They entered the dwelling 
houses of those absent and gutted them of all their furniture. One lady, 
who left her house for a few hours to attend to pressing business, was 
astonislicd to find, on her return, all her furniture and wearing apparel gone. 

I'ullv one Innuired and lifty pianos were carried ofl" by the hoosiers. many 
of whom were unused to any "concord of sweet sounds," save that produced 
by the jewsliarp or fiddle. One of them, an illiterate backwoodsman, who 
resided in a humble hut, ten by twelve, was seen carrying out a magnificent 
piano in a small cart, drawn by a two-year-old bullock. 



FlFTY-EKxHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4-13 

A venerable dame was observed trying to haul into her cart a fine piano 
by means of a rope attached to the legs. When asked what she was doing, 
she replied that. she had foimd a "mity nice table in thar, and was trying to 
get it in her keart." 

One man alone carried oft' over $50,000 worth of dry hides. Steps have 
been taken to secure all the articles carried oft", as well as the oftenders. 
Already much property' has been recovered. 

To Major William H. Lemmon, Surgeon of Colonel 
Hunter's Brigade, of General Baird's Division, the country 
is indebted for firing the famous Bull Pen. Nothing is left 
of this vile prison, except ashes. Having suffered incarcer- 
ation there, the Doctor sought and found revenge. 

At ten o'clock, Wednesday morning, November 16, we 
left Atlanta and its ruins. We marched east, following the 
20th Corps, and immediatelv entered upon ground new to 
me. Between Atlanta and Decatur, the countr}^ is similar 
U) that towards the Chattahoochee. There was nothing 
attractive about the land or timber. 

Intense interest clustered about the historic battlefield of 
July 22, 1864. It was here that Hood attempted to show to 
the world that he was the man to hurl back the Yankee 
invaders. It was here that McPherson, the pride and glory 
of the Army of the Tennessee, fell. The graves of our 
brave boys make these woods sacred and dear to every patri- 
otic heart. Here sleep the heroes of many a bloody battle ; 
heretofore they escaped, but here they fell. Headboards are 
formed of pieces of cracker boxes, or ammunition boxes. 
On one side of these, we sometimes read, "Pilot Bread," or 
"Watevelit Arsenal," and on the other the name, the Com- 
pany, and the Regiment, of the fallen. Among those who 
fell here was Jacob Behm, of the 48th Illinois. I knew him, 
some years since, at Princeton, Indiana. He is a brother to 
the Adjutant of our Regiment. Jacob was a brave and gal- 
lant soldier, and fell, as such would desire to fall, with his 
face to the toe. 

Decatur is a dilapidated old village. The wooden houses 
are marked with age, and the commons are thickly set with 
grass. Onh' a few of the citizt'ns remain, and they are 



4-14. CHAPLAIN HIOIIT'S HISTORY OF THE 

"poor white trash." One prett}^ little girl, with bright black 
eyes and glossy curls, gazed upon us, from a window — a 
beautiful picture in a decayed frame — recalling to us "glad- 
iators" our "young barbarians all at play," and causing the 
tear to steal, unbidden, down the bronzed cheek. These 
little episodes, seemingly unimportant in themselves, often 
call our minds afar from the scenes of war. We dream, but 
w-e are awake. I often see a picture, "The Soldier's 
Dream;" it is of home. We are not always asleep, when 
these visions come. Happy the remnant of us, who shall 
enter the promised land of a restored Union. 

Betw^een Atlanta and Decatur, there are many hastily 
erected field works. Eastward of Decatur, there are some 
splendid w^orks, constructed by the 23d Corps, after the fall 
of Atlanta. 

Leaving Decatur, we turned oft' to the right of the trail of 
the 20th Corps. They continued along the railroad, destroy- 
ing as they went. We left the ro^id and Stone Mountain to 
the left. I had desired a close view of this remarkable moun- 
tain, and expected my desires would be gratified, when we 
were approaching it in the morning. But I was disap- 
pointed. Night overtook us on the road. We drove out in 
the dark, and camped on a rough piece of ground, near 
Snap Finger creek, having marched fifteen miles 
to-day. 

Thursday, November 17. — We were up before day. 
The sky is clear, and the stars are brightly shining. It is a 
most charming morning for marching. We roll up blankets 
and tents, and eat our breakfast of coftee, biscuit and bacon, 
before day. At dawn, the march began. We follow the ist 
Brigade — Colonel Himter's — of Baird's Division. 

I learn that our people are neither to encourage nor to dis- 
courage the negroes in their desire to accompany us. Were 
I issuing orders, I w'ould direct : 

I. All women and children, and old men, to be urged, 
but not forced, to stay at home. Tell tiiem that the ami}- 
is no place for tliem, and lliat ihry had better remain on the 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 415 

plantation, getting along as best they can, and afterwhile 
they can be free and happy in this, their own, country. 

2. All able-bodied men invited, but not forced, to accom- 
pany us. Promise them employment, as soldiers ; it they 
do not want to light, tell them to go home — make them 
leave. 

3. Organize each hundred negroes into a Company, and 
each thousand into a Regiment, and set good men over them. 
Distribute all the tools in the arm}^ among them, and make 
them pioneers ; let them gather up the cast-away clothing in 
deserted camps ; forage one blanket for each ; have every 
man to construct a temporary haversack; send out forage 
parties daily, and procure sufficient supplies for the com- 
mand. As the soldiers become disabled, turn their arms 
over to the negroes, and arm enough for forage guards. 
Explain to them that they must fight for their liberty. 

4. When the campaign is over, organize them into an 
army. 

With all due modesty, I venture that there is more wisdom 
in this than in Sherman's orders. He has been a pro-slavery 
man, and is unwilling to take high and manly ground on the 
slavery question. 

We came upon the railroad again, at the little town of 
Lithonia, where the road makes a curve to touch Stone 
Mountain. As we passed through the town, several houses 
were on fire ; but the}' were old, and had long been unoccu- 
pied. General Sherman and staff' were resting, at a house 
by the roadside. Captain Poe's headquarters wagon, which 
was drawn by four splendid horses, attracted great attention. 
The 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics were busy, 
destroying the railroad. My attention w^as especially drawn 
to a peculiar feature of the country. In many places, rock 
rises above the surface, forming rounded knolls, which are 
smooth, and, at a distance, have tiie appearance of soil. 
Stone Mountain is the largest and roughest of these. 

We now came to a fine country, and the men began to 
find torage of various kinds, which is something new. 



416 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Conyer is a very respectable village, on the railroad, and 
the people all seemed to be at home. This was also a new 
experience for us. For a long time, the towns through 
which we have passed have been almost entirely deserted. 
Our men helped themselves to anything they desired to eat. 
No effort was made by the officers to restrain them. Rumor 
savs that one of the soldiers was shot by a woman, whom he 
was attempting to outrage. May all such villains die the 
same death. 

Here we passed a great many troops, destroying the rail- 
road. We hurry on towards Yellow river. The men had 
an exceedingly hard march. The countrj^ continued good, 
and plenty of hogs and sweet potatoes were found. Dark 
came upon us, on the march. The tires of the camp, and 
burning ties, presented a sublime sight. After a while, we 
reached our camp. Wagons and men were all jammed 
together, in a grassy field, a ravine preventing us from tak- 
ing plenty of room. T soon lay mvself down to sleep. 
While I was resting, a detail from the Regiment laid two 
pontoon bridges over Yellow river. We marched twenty 
miles to-day. 

Friday, November i8. — When I awoke, in the morning, 
the grand army was crossing the pontoons. This is always 
an interesting occasion, as it affords an opportunit}^ of seeing 
the army in detail. With us, there is the 14th Corps, and 
one Brigade of the 20th. 

About our camp, there are many line plantations, and some 
rich planters live here. The ladies, at some of the houses, 
are represented as intelligent, beautiful, and rebellious. A 
pretty traitor is no better than an ugly one — male or female. 
Many of the oflicers are boiling over with sympathy lor these 
pretty female rebels, but I have none, and have a great con- 
tempt for all officers who have. 

There is a nice little frame Methodist cluircli, standing on 
the lawn, ni'ar the river bank. By looking into the Sunday 
School books, I lind it was once called the Oak Grove 
Church. Again, it was called Oak Lawn Church ; and, 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDLOA REGIMENT. 417 

lastly, it tigures as Shiloh Church. As this last name figures 
only in rebel times, it was, perhaps, given it in honor of the 
famous battlefield. There was school here on last Sabbath. 
We appointed a meeting for this evening in the church. 
Orderly Clem, and some others, fixed up the house, but we 
were all gone before the appointed hour came. 

Yellow river is about one hundred feet wide, where the 
pontoons are placed. The banks are steep, and the stream 
deep. One bridge is used for trains, and the other tor 
troops. The cattle cross by swimming below, and wading 
above. 

Two hundred yards above the pontoons are the pillars of 
the railroad bridge, destroyed by some of our cavalry raids 
last summer. This bridge was three hundred feet long, and 
forty-five feet above the water. The stones in the pillars 
must have been of the secession school, for they early mani- 
fested a disposition to separate. Hence, many of them are 
bound together by iron bands or staples. Holes being 
drilled in two adjoining stones, they are clasped by thrusting 
the respective ends of an iron bar into these holes. Nearly 
thirty years I had lived, without seeing such a contrivance 
as this ; hence, I came not in vain to Yellow river. A mill 
had also been destroyed, with the bridge. 

The uegroes are beginning to flock to the army. Many 
men, women and children crossed the bridges to-day. 

There was quite a large number of bales of cotton on each 
bank. These were burned as well as they could be, by the 
rear guard. 

At 4 p. m. Colonel Buell, with Companies B and E, and 
half of the train, went forward to the Ulcofauhachee. The 
remainder followed at dark. One pontoon was taken up in 
thirty minutes. The 20th Corps Brigade, which formed the 
rear guard, after crossing the river, went into camp. For 
several miles we moved along through the dark, without 
seeing or hearing man or beast. After all the threatened 
bushwhacking, we could but leel uncomfortable. It would 
have been easv and safe to fire into our column. After a 



418 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

while, two men, mounted, and leading a mule, passed. Per- 
haps they are spies ; nothing is said to them. 

We soon after entered a little village, in which there does 
not appear to be an inhabitant. Here, the column halted 
to let the train close up. The mules are still very weak 
from the Chattahoochee fast. Some shots being heard in 
advance. Lieutenant Hadlock is sent forward with a small 
advance guard. The drums could now be distinctly heard 
in our distant encampments, and a row of fires, afar off, told 
of railroad destruction. We lost our way, immediately after 
leaving this village. We were apprised of this fact by Lieu- 
tenant Hadlock, calling out to us from the other side of a 
creek. Some time was spent in getting into the right road 
again. We crossed a creek on a long, wooden bridge. We 
had a man or two killed here, when our men lirst advanced. 
We now have pickets here. A short distance farther on, 
we entered Covington. Here, we found a Regiment 
encamped. This is a large country town ; there are many 
fine buildings on the streets we pass through. I would have 
been glad to have seen Covington by daylight. 

I became ver}^ tired and sleep}^ to-night. Night march- 
ing is exceeding trving. I went to sleep sitting on the 
fence, and slept so soundly that I had to be called when the 
Regiment started. 

We soon began passing camps, but there was no camp for 
us 3'et ; we must unite the command at the river. We pass 
through a strip of the road covered by water. At last, about 
midnight, the Ulcofauhachee is reached. It is a deep, slug- 
gish stream, with almost no banks. There is a crazy old 
bridge standing ; built on one trestle, in the center of the 
river_. The riv^er is about seventy-five feet wide. A pon- 
toon has been made, bv Colonel Buell, bv the side of the 
old bridge. We pass over and camp in the first open 
ground. So, at one o'clock in the morning we had a cup 
of cofibe. The eight mile march with the train, after night, 
had worn us all out. We were all soon asleep, except some 
gluttons, who sat up all night to cook and eat. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 419 

Saturday, No\'EMber 19. — We arose late this morning 
and ate a poor breakfast, provided by our unthrifty 
servants. Our negroes can do but one thing at a time ; 
they cannot have all the meal cooking at once. If you 
increase the number of your servants you only multiply 
your sorrows. There is no remedy but to possess your 
soul in patience. 

We had an order this morning against incendiarism 
from General Davis. The order contained some slanders 
on the command. It berated our people after the manner of 
the rebel papers. The motive of the General was, perhaps, 
good. He condemned house burning. Colonel Buell, who 
is ever ready to reflect the wishes of his superiors, came out 
in an echo. The officer who could not enforce his order in 
any other way, was commanded, in this puerile paper, to 
shoot down the offender. Just think of shooting American 
soldiers for the benefit of rebels. No man, who really loves 
our cause and our soldiers, could issue such an order. If an 
officer desires to shoot our men, let him join the rebel army 
at once. 

We march in the rear of all the army, save the cattle 
guard. This makes our movements slow. If the enemy 
were only enterprising, the}^ might capture the pontoon 
train. A small squad was seen, to-day, by the preceding 
troops, but the}' did no mischief. The cattle are driven 
entirely on either side of the road. They are permitted to 
occupy no part of the way. The drivers have great times, 
wading through the bushes, mud and water. The droves 
are large and increasing. Plenty is found in the country to 
feed them, but often there is no time for them to eat. But 
few cattle are being slaughtered, as the men prefer fresh 
pork. 

Tiie number of refugees is increasing. I advised several 
women to remain at home. They will see hard times with 
the army ; freedom will dawn on them, soon, in the present 
homes. But liberty is sweet, and they seem to think it is 
now or never ; so they are falling in with the army by the 



t20 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

liundreds. Nearly every one has an irregular bundle of 
bedding and clothing. This is usually carried by the women, 
on their heads. 

After a slow and tiresome march often miles, we camped 
— no one knew where — at ten p. m. It has been a damp 
day, and the roads are bad. 

Sunday, November 20. — Reveille at four a. m ; marched 
at 5 :30 — ordered to follow Carlin. Marched by him and 
attempted a piece of smartness. Of course, we had to move 
oft' the road, and await our time. Colonel Buell is very 
anxious to get to the front with the Pontoon train, and sends 
forward a staft' officer to General Davis to report our condi- 
tion, so far in the rear, and to request that we be permitted 
to take a forward position. General Davis "can't see it," 
and we iiave to wait our time. 

The country through which we pass is splendid. It 
abounds in cotton, hogs, sweet potatoes, chickens, horses, 
mules, corn and fodder. We got plenty of everything 
except stock. We failed to send out for this. 

Wc stopped fortv minutes for dinner, and led from a field 
of standing corn. Cotton presses and gins were burned 
along the route. 

I saw a slave one hundred and seven years old. Negroes 
have been praying for us for four _\ears. Tiiese prayers 
will save the expedition. 

We passed through Shady Dale. It is an extensive plan- 
tation, owned by an aged planter. There are 8,500 acres, 
and were 250 slaves when the war began. There is a nice 
frame church by tiie side of the road. Thus, one man owns 
the village and all the people in it. 

At seven p. m., after a march of thirteen miles, we camped 
in the woods. By this time, the rain liad begun to fall. 
None but muddy water to use. Supper of fresh pork and 
sweet potatoes. Men all in excellent spirits. 

Monday, November 21. — Rain has been falling most of 
this day. In the afternoon it cleared off' and became very 
cold. Tlie roads are becoming almost impassable. 



FIPTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 421 

Lieutenants Behm and Torrence went forward with a 
detail to forage for horses and mules. 

We moved along very slowly, through mud and rain. The 
country is very high, rolling and open. Away to our right 
we could see the advance of our column. We continued on 
the Eatonton road until four miles of that place. We then 
turned to the right, to make room for the 20th Corps, which 
marches by Eatonton. At this point, our rear guard — a 
Brigade of the 20th Corps — left us and moved on to Eatonton. 

After our rear guard left us "out in the cold" — literally, 
for the wind was. piercing — Colonel Buell became greatly 
exercised, lest General Wheeler might swallow' us up. But 
this latter gentleman, being no where in these parts, is quite 
innocent of any such intentions. Mud bound, we stopped 
in the woods about dark. In a few moments, in obedience 
to orders, we start out and attempt to rejoin the main army, 
but the effort fails. We camp a half mile farther on, in a 
high open field. This was the highest spot in these parts. 
We marched seven miles to-day, by the road. It was about 
three or four on a straight line. 

Tuesday, November 22. — Marched at daylight ; came to 
the rear of the army before the train was pulled out on the 
road. Stopped often ; collected in little squads around tires 
made of rails. 

We came to Murder creek, about two miles farther. It 
is a small stream, and, although swollen by recent rains, is 
still fordable. There is an old dilapidated bridge, over 
which the infantry cross. It is full of holes, but I led my 
horse safely over. 

We descended quite a hill to cross this creek and went up 
a rise on the other side. I sat down by a house and fell 
asleep. The train moved off, and, when I awoke, I found 
myself lost. Colonel Buell, without orders, ran ahead ol 
General Carlin's train. Of course, he had to stop and take 
his proper place. 

General Davis issued an order, stating that we had gone 
about as far as we could expect to go in peace ; ammunition 



422 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

must not be wasted. Hereafter, all foraging must be done 
without iiring a gun. For the last three days the rattle of 
musketry has almost equaled skirmishing. 

In the afternoon we were met by our mounted foragers 
who went out yesterday morning. They brought in five 
good horses. We crossed Cedar creek, a deeper stream 
than Murder creek. The bridge is good. We here passed 
a Division in camp. We hear the news of the capture of 
Milledgeville. 

After a while we went into camp. After quarters were 
put up we were ordered not to put them up. I wish that 
the order had reached us sooner, as my tent was frozen stiff'. 
After supper we rolled up and went two miles farther, 
and camped about midnight. Night marching is not so 
hard when, one has had a good supper. 

We marched, in all, ten miles, to-day, and camped 
fourteen miles from the State capital. 

Wednesday, November 23. — We pass through a high, 
rolling country. Extensive views open up before us. Most 
of the countr}^ is open; the soil is red, sandy and clayey. 
The rains cut ditches on the hillsides. Many fields are turned 
out and overgrown by wild grass and pine trees. The houses 
are out of repair. The country looks barren. We passed 
through the farm of Ilowell Cobb, ]:)ut there is nothing 
attractive about it. Everything that can be, is being 
destroyed. The negro huts — most miserable hovels — are an 
exception. We enter Milledgeville and camp, after a four- 
teen mile march, near the Oconee riv^er. I called to see 
Colonel Moore's part of the Regiment. They moved over 
tlie Oconee with the 20th Corps. 

We had a trood, undisturbed ni<rlit\s rest — tlie lirst since 
leaving Atlanta. 

Thursday, Novemuer 24. — We marched this morning at 
eight o'clock ; following Carlin's command. Milledgeville 
is a pleasant town, and but little injury is being done to it. 
The people are all at home except the men. The State 
prison and cotton factory were burned. The State House 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 423 

is being sacked and also the Governor's house. The 
Governor left Saturday for southwestern Georgia. Forage 
is plenty in the city, and we are well supplied. The 
Oconee river is crossed at ten a. m., the bridge having 
been preserved. 

After we were about two miles out of the city, forage 
parties began coming in on the roadside, with hogs, pota- 
toes, corn, fodder and cattle. 

Friday, November 25. — Ready to march at daylight. 
Closed in after Morgan's — 2d Division, 14th Corps — at 
10:30 a. m. Carlin's Division remains in camp. Baird is 
in Milledgeville. He has orders to see all stragglers out of 
the city, move over, and destroy the bridge. 

We soon came to a halt, on account of the destruction of 
the bridges over Buffalo creek. This is a stream some 
forty or fifty feet wide, bounded by extensive swamps. Thus 
far, our march had been without hindrance by the enemy. 
Neither our front, rear, or flanks has been assailed ; but 
Wheeler's cavalry, by rapid marches, had passed around us, 
and have now reached our front. The bridges here are the 
first the enemy have destroyed in front of the left wing. A 
few rebels beyond, called forth some shots ; and in front of 
the 20th Corps there is a little cannonading. A pontoon 
bridge, consisting of two boats, and a trestle bridge, was 
finished, by Lieutenant Hadlock, by eleven p. m. 

Two men of the 2 2d Indiana were killed to-day while 
foraging for horses. The foraging details from our Regi- 
ment bring in plenty of hogs, sweet potatoes and sorghum. 

Saturday, Nove;mher 26. — We were not ready to march 
at daylight, as we were ordered to be ; but we were hurried 
off, leaving the ambulances and baggage wagons to do the 
best they could. They joined some of the succeeding 
trains. 

There is a nice country between Buffalo and Kegg creeks. 
The latter is a sluggish stream, bounded by swamps. The 
bridge was not destroyed. After crossing Kegg creek, we 
came to the best country we have seen since crossing the 



424 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Oconee. We marched eight miles and camped at Sanders- 
ville, at twelve m. The mile posts on the road to this place 
have notches to mark the number ot^ miles, small ones to 
note half miles. 

The court house stands in an un fenced vard. Tlie design 
of the building is good enough, but it is of sham stone. In 
the public square there is a monument to the memor^-^ of 
Governor Irvin. He was a Captain and Colonel in the 
Revolution. He was afterwards made a General ; was a 
member of several conventions, and was Governor of 
Georgia tor two terms. Sandersville is a dilapidated old 
town. Our troops were fired on, from houses, by Wheeler's 
men, as thev entered the town. We passed the graves of 
two men, of the io8th Ohio, who had been killed in this 
skirmish. 

The army comes to a halt, here. The mules and horses 
stand with the harness on. Sherman is in town. 

Colonel Moore came in, with his detachment, and camped 
in the same field, having laid nine bridges over Bufialo 
creek. The men are in excellent health and fine spirits. 
The 20th Corps is here also. 

Major Downey, with Companies B and E, and one Iiuut 
dred and twenty feet of bridging, marched before day, with 
Generals Baird's and Morgan's Divisions, light, on a forced 
march to Louisville, by way of P'ern's Bridge. This move 
is designed to drive the rebels oft'the main road, and, if pos- 
sible, secure the bridge over the Ogeechee. Colonel Moore 
moved out soon after. 

The rest of us lay in camp until two p. m., and, when we 
marched, we found the roads clear of rebels. They were 
flanked out. 

During tlie morning, the court house and jail were pulled 
down and destroyed. Moved on Davisboro road, through a 
fine country. Camped, after marching seven miles, in some 
old, abandoned fields, grown up with sage grass. 

Monday, November 28. — Column began moving before 
day. We started at nine a. m ; crossed a swamp\' creek. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 425 

over bridge and corduroy, leaving main road : came to it 
again, and, there being nothing in the way, we hurried on. 
Saw, for the lirst time in mv life, Spanish moss, hanging on 
the trees. Came to the railroad, and passed on, while the 
20th Corps was tearing it up. We passed the remainder of 
the 20th Corps near Ogeechee river, and went into camp, 
after a march of eighteen miles. The men were out all 
night, making roads through the swamp. Many sick in the 
Regiment, but none were lost or abandoned on the march. 
Few dying in the army. Major Downey has a bridge and 
command at Rock}^ Comfort creek. 

Wednesday, Novf:mber 30. — There was no march 3^es- 
terday nor to-day. There was a useless alarm, during the 
forenoon. A messenger, in great haste, reported, "Rebels 
advancing in column." Tents were struck, and the Regi- 
ment fell in. I did not learn from which direction the rebels 
were coming — they didn't come. There were a few hang- 
ing on our flanks. They captured three men. 

Thursday, December i. — Ordered to be ready to march 
at 8 130 a. m. We took up the bridge, and moved out on the 
road, and lay until one p. m., when we moved on a road 
leading ten miles north of Birdsville. We camped in a tield, 
closely huddled together, having marched about ten miles. 
During the da}-, we crossed Big creek, and some smaller 
streams. We went into camp at eight p. m., having passed 
over good country, though rendered pretty destitute bv^ cav- 
alry and other troops. For the third day in succession, our 
foragers got on the wrong road ; and the men suffer, in con- 
sequence. 

The troops are moving on right and left roads, all moving 
along finely. 

Friday, December 2. — Moved out on the road, early in 
the morning, but did not march until noon. A mounted for- 
aging party has been sent out. Convalescent horses and 
mules, and refugee slaves, have accumulated in immense 
numbers. We crossed several small, swampy streams. I 
saw a dead man, of the 17th Ohio, brought out of the bushes. 



426 CHAPLAIN EIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

on a gray horse. lie had been killed while foraging. Just 
as the party emerged from the woods, the}'^ were tired upon. 
This man's leg was broken, and he was captured, and after- 
ward murdered. It is getting to be a dangerous business to 
forage. 

Saturday, December 3. — We moved out at daylight, but 
stopped an hour to let troops and trains pass, which the com- 
manding General knew must soon halt for the Pontoniers. 
We turned due north, and marched rapidly. We saw no 
white citizens, but the blacks have increased to an immense 
multitude. We soon came to Buck Head creek. The 
bridge has been destroyed. There are extensive swamps on 
the margin, as there are along all the w'ater courses in this 
country. The main channel was not more than forty feet 
wide, but very deep. In thirty minutes, the bridge was 
completed, and the swamp corduroyed. Immediately, Cap- 
tain Smith goes forward, with a detachment and material, 
and makes a bridge over Roseberry creek, a half mile from 
this stream. The old bridge was burning. A new one is 
made bv placing balk and chess on the remains of the old 
bridge. 

At Buck Head creek, a scene, disgraceful to American 
history, occurred. It was the abandonment of the large 
crowd of colored refugees, who had been following the 
army. The bridge was taken up, and these people were left 
on the other side, without any means of crossing. This 
meant their capture, and probably their murder, by the rebel 
cavalrv, who were following close in our rear. At least, it 
meant, for these poor people, a return to slavery, which was 
dreaded as much by them as death outright. This was done 
by the orders of General Jeff. C. Davis, who was in com- 
mand of this part of th^ army. I hive spoken of Davis 
before, and will have occasion to do so again. lie is a mil- 
itar\- t\rant, without one spark of humanity in his make-up. 
He was an ardent pro-slaver\' man before he entered the 
arin\-, and has not changed iiis views since. The oHicer 
w lio was chargetl with the execution of this order was Cap- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH I^^DIANA REGIMEXT. 427 

tain Remington, of General Davis' staff. He was a man 
with a small sonl and a big hat. He was, in all respects, 
well adapted to do the heartless and despisable work 
assigned. 

After all our troops were over, and the Pontoniers began 
taking up the bridge, then the lull realization of their fate 
came to the poor refugees. Thev could understand now 
that they were to be abandoned to the tender mercies of the 
rebels. Then there went up from that multitude of men, 
women and children, a cry of agony that ought to have 
melted the stoniest heart. There were mingled prayers, 
tears, groans and imprecations, that was most heartrending. 
The scene made an impression on my mind that will never 
be forgotten. When we had our bridge loaded, and was 
starting on after the army, there was a shout on the other 
side, "The rebels are coming." This was all that was 
needed to turn the grieving refugees into a panic-stricken 
mob. Without reason, or concern as to the consequences, 
they made a wild rush for the river, and attempted to cross. 
Some of them at once plunged into the water, and swam 
across. Others ran wildly up and down the bank, shrieking 
with terror and crying for help. It was too much for our 
humane officers and men. They threw pieces of plank and 
timber into the water, and rendered every assistance possible 
to the frantic refugees. Many of them succeeded in reaching 
our shore. They came up the bank and through the bushes, 
dripping w^et, but happy in the thought that they had 
escaped. There was a shout of triumph among our men as 
they saw^ the refugees successfully' stemming the current. 
But all did not get over. Some were drowned — how many 
is not known. 

At the next stream, these scenes were repeated, to some 
extent, but as the channel was not so deep as at Buck Head, 
there was not so much risk in tlie refugees getting over. 
Moreover, they had learned by this time to trust less in our 
army and rely more upon their own efforts and ingcnuit}'. 
So nearlv all f)f them got through. 



4-2J5 



{ HAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



Sunday, December 4. — While eating breakfast this morn- 
ing', we heard cannonading and musketry. It is Kilpatrick 
and Baird, towards Waynesboro. We marched to Lump- 
kin, one and a half miles distant, then turned to the right and 
passed through Haddam. Here our advance was fired on 
this morning. Marched fourteen miles, in all. Camped, 
just at dark, by the side of a swamp. 

Monday, December 5. — Marched ten miles, and camped, 
at three p. m., on the banks of Beaver Dam creek, sixty-six 
miles from Savannah. Kilpatrick and Baird are on the 
other side. Built a bridge during the night for these troops 
to cross. 

Tuesday, December 6. — Yesterday, Morgan's Division 
was in our advance, and went on, five miles, to camp. This 
morning we moved, just as day was breaking, to catch up. 
Carlin's advance came in, as we went out. Bugles sound- 
ing over Beaver Dam. We had a free road until we came 
to Morgan's camp. The road through the swamp had been 
obstructed. 

We waited until eleven a. m. for Morgan to get out ot 
camp. Marched bv country roads to Haley's cross roads. 
Marched seventeen miles to-day ; camped at dark, but I am 
not able to locate the place, as I am completely lost. 

Wednesday, December. 7. — Brief memorandum for this 
day : March at 5 :45 a. m. Went by Davis' quarters 
before dav — band playing. Unobstructed march to Mor- 
gan's camp — eight miles. Open country on left ; woods on 
right. Country somewhat poor ; no houses. Raining dur- 
ing forenoon ; roads good. Reached Morgan's camp at 
nine a. m. His troops and train not out until eleven a. m. 
The swamp just in front of them is almost impassable, for 
cattle, as they are not allowed to march in the road. Davis 
swears. Buell carries axes manv miles — hunting a job — but 
finding none. Passed some trains ; bad gulch ; good roads 
for miles ; rumors ; Beauregard at Augusta ; Longstreet at 
crossing of Savannah river ; Breckinridge coming from 
East TiMinessee. If we light, it must lie ln'fore we cut the 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 



429 




430 CHAPLAIN HIGHTS HISTOEY OF THE 

railroad : forced march ; officers and men mad : Buell cant 
find a mud hole ; corduroying good roads : come near river ; 
some of the boys go to Sister's Ferr\- and are fired on. 
Camped at the twenty-sixth mile post from Savannah ; two 
miles from Ebenezer : marched twenty-three and one-half 
miles. This has been a hard march. Verv foolishly, our 
men who had come eight miles farther than the preceding 
Division are exjiected to repair roads and work to-night. 

Immediatelv after reaching camp there came a hard 
shower, before our tents were up, thoroughly wetting us. 
We were aroused at 11:30 and ordered to "fall in.*" Four 
Companies were sent to Ebenezer creek to make a bridge. 
Remainder of Regiment ordered to march at day-light. 

We did not march until about ten o'clock next morning. 
Dr. Holtzman and I rode forward to Ebenezer creek. 
There was a causeway for considerable distance, and the 
ro'ad was narrow. Consequently, there was a great jam ot 
troops, and slow progress. There was some sharp fighting, 
vesterdav. with Wheeler, who is pressing our rear. After 
a march of two miles and a half we camped at Ebenezer 
Church. This is a brick structure, built in 1769, and is still 
a verv beautiful piece of architecture. The frame church 
which formerly stood here was built in 1738, and was used 
during the Revolutionary war as a hospital. 

Ebenezer Creek is a dark, impassable stream, with swamps 
on either side. It required much labor to repair the road 
and bridge so that the troops could pass. But our men 
labored hard all night, and by noon of December 8th the 
column commenced crossing. All afternoon and night the 
troops continued to cross ; hunying forward towards Savan- 
nah. Part of our Pontoon train was sent forward to Lock- 
land creek, a few miles further on, to make a crossing on 
that stream. 



:' 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



And so We Made a Thoroughfare — ^or Freedom 
AND her Train — Sixty Miles of Latitude — Three 
Hundred to the Main — Treason Fled Before us 
— For Resist.vnce was in A'ain — While we were 
Marching through Georgia" — Closing in Around 
Savannah — News from our Fleet — The City 
Evacuated — Occupying the Place — Something of 
its History — Places of Interest Visited .\nd 
Described. 



WHILE waiting at Ebenezer creek, we were treated to a 
genuine surprise Irom a rebel giinboat. Like a flash 
of lightning out ot'a clear skv. a loud explosion was heard a 
short distance down the stream, and a sixty- four pound shell 
came whizzing over our heads. The visit was so unexpected 
and we were so unprepared, that we were very much embar- 
rassed, to sav the least. There was a natural disposition to 
"shell out," and give these huge iron monsters plenty ot 
room, but the natural inclination was overcome, and we 
resolved, each lor himselt', to take our chances at dodging. 
The ordeal did not last long. At'ter tiring about half a 
dozen times, the gunboat retired from whence it came. But 
this was only part of the disturbance that was going on all 
around. There was cannonading in all directions, and it 
began to sound like old times around Atlanta. 

The sound of cannon was verv heavy, in the direction of 
Savannali. It was evident the rebels 'were not going to 
let Sherman get into that place, if thev could prevent it. 

We left Ebenezer on the morning of the 9th, and marched 
eight miles by twelve o'clock. There was another disgrace- 



4:^2 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

fill abandonment of negro refugees at Ebenezer, but I did 
not witness it. Those who were there describe the scene as 
lieartrending. I cannot find words to express my detesta- 
tion of such cruelty and wickedness. May God Almight}'^ 
save the Nation from the responsibility of General Davis' 
acts ! 

In the afternoon of the 9th we resumed our march, and 
went nine miles further toward Savannah. We went into 
camp, near the river, about a mile and a half from the rail- 
road bridge. Company E, which had been left to take up 
the bridge over Lockland creek, came up soon after we went 
into camp. 

Marched at 8:40 a. m. on the loth, but we did not make 
rapid progress. We reached a point eleven miles from 
Savannah, and there stopped for the night, in a swampy 
ground. All of Sherman's army is now concentrating in 
front of Savannah, and the impression is that we will have a 
general engagement soon. 

We received copies of Savannah papers, of December ist 
and 3d, to-day. This is the first news from the outside 
world we have had, since leaving Atlanta. It is not as 
favorable news as we would like, but it is from a rebel 
source, and is, most probably, not true. 

Sunday morning, December iith, we were up early, and 
were ready to move out by seven o'clock. But we did not 
get started until ten o'clock, and then could only move 
slowly, on account of the swamp roads over which we trav- 
eled. The land all around us is swampy, not a hill, or ele- 
vation of any kind ; but by the energy and perseverance, and 
good management, of Colonel Buell, the roads were made 
passable, and the armv pushed on toward Savannah. This 
day we marched six miles, and camped within seven miles 
of Savannah. We went into an old field, within half a mile 
of the railroad, and put up temporary quarters. It was a cold, 
windy night, and we were anything but comfortable. We 
fed our horses on sheaf rice, and ourselves on Iresh pork and 
potatoes. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4J{3 

We are now in camp opposite Argyle Island, seven miles 
from Savannah. A rebel gunboat and two transports came 
up the river and opened tire on our forces, at the railroad 
bridge. The firing was pretty livel}^ for a time, some of the 
shells from the rebel guns passing over our heads. But, 
finally, our guns silenced the rebels and they retired up the 
river. Nobody was hurt on our side. 

We are now in the midst of rice plantations, and we have 
all the rice we want to eat. We can see Savannah in the 
distance, and it appears to be a very beautiful city. The 
river winds about, among islands, and its banks are lined 
with groves of live oaks ; many of the trees being ornamented 
with garlands of Spanish moss. 

Military operations are suspended, here, to await devel- 
opments on the right. The 17th Corps has gone to open up 
communications with our fleet. Rations are about out. 
Our foragers went out on the morning of the 13th, but came 
back empty handed. 

Our forces are crowding the rebel works, and entrenching 
close to Savannah, and the siege of that city has begun. 

Opposite Argyle Island, Wednesday, December 14. 
— As there were no pressing duties, I lay in bed until seven 
o'clock. There had been some cannonading during the 
night ; but as we were out of range we slept undisturbed. 
The morning dawned beautiful and pleasant. Such weather 
as this would be a marvel in Indiana, at this season of the 
year. Yesterday I saw lettuce and some other plants grow- 
ing in a garden. 

About the middle of the forenoon our camp was moved a 
half mile nearer to the river. We are now about three-fourths 
of a mile from the Savannah river, on a plantation, said to 
have been owned by a wealthy man, by the name of Given, 
from New Jersey. Our new camp was properly laid out, 
and the two battalions are united. Colonel Moore and 
Doctor Patten, who had been messing with Captain Whit- 
ing and Lieutenant Mason, of the right wing, return to 
headquarter mess, and the Adjutant and myself returned to 



434 CHAPLAIX MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

that mess, also. So we have a united command once more, 
and I am glad of it. 

As there is a prospect of remaining here some time, the 
Adjutant and myself took pains "to fix up our tent. We 
tilled up between two rice rows and made a level, sand floor. 
We carried timber from some negro quarters, a half mile oft', 
and made a cot. We made a good and comfortable bed of 
rice straw. The Adjutant put up his desk for the first time 
since leaving Atlanta. I found a nice, dressed board in the 
famous live oak grove, which will serve for a writing table. 
While making these preparations, some shells fell just in front 
of our camp. We are in easy range if the rebels attempt 
the passage of the river. Some shots fell near the steamer 
Resolute, to-day. 

I have not been writing any items since leaving the Chat- 
tahoochee river. I have only made brief notes in pencil, 
but I now resume the pen, designing to keep up my journal 
from day to day, and bring up the records of our marcli 
from the Chattahoochee, at leisure. 

Our camp is in an old rice field ; but many years liave 
elapsed since it was cultivated. In the meantime, cedars, 
thirt}^ feet high, have grown up, and wild sage grass covers 
the fields. Our color line fronts to the south. A short dis- 
tance in the rear of the encampment is a road leading from 
the river to the main highvva\', running into the city. There 
are many of these cross-roads, made by throwing uji tiie 
earth. 

We learned that the 15th Corps had stormed and captured 
Fort McAllister, yesterday, thus opening communications 
with General Foster and our fleet. General Sherman has 
sent a dispatch boat to the President. We are all living in 
hopes of receiving mail, and the men who have little to eat 
except beef, are hoping for rations. It our horses could 
speak they would rejoice that corn and oats will soon supply 
the place of rice. The latter article makes their tongues 
sore. By the way, almost all the horses we had when we 
left the Chattahoochee, are eillier diseased or dead. Lieu- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH I^DIA^A llEGDIENT. 4Ji5 

tenant-Colonel Moore thinks it was caused by eating the 
turpentine in the pine timber. My mare is very much 
diseased. 

We hear no news from the North, or elsewhere. A large 
number of negroes are being collected on the adjoining 
plantation. As soon as I can, I will find out more about 
them. 

Thursday, December 15, ten a. m. — I am tired and 
sore from yesterday's exercises, one of which was a boat 
ride, in a yawl, on the Savannah. It seems like getting 
home once more to be in regular camp, writing at a table. 
The weather is exceedingly fine. The tent is thrown open 
and we write without any fire. 

There has been much firintr around the line this morniniif. 
It has now nearly ceased. On the right there was heavy 
cannonading and skirmishing, in front of and beyond Argyle 
Island. 

A rebel gunboat began throwing shells Irom a heavy gun 
about eleven o'clock. They were directed chiefly at various 
objects on the river. Several were thrown beyond our camp. 
A number burst near the negro quarters, a half mile on 
our left flank, and a little to the front. This shelling was 
continued until the middle of the afternoon. One shell went 
into the earth, and bursted under a man sitting on the bank 
of the riv^er. He was thrown upon the beach below, unin- 
jured. The practice to-day, demonstrates that the rebels 
could shell our camp and train, if they know our location, as 
we are in range. 

At dark I preached to a large and attentive congregation, 
collected about a pine tree, in front of our quarters. The 
new men seem generallv disposed to attend divine services. 

Friday, December 16. — A great treat happened to me 
this afternoon. A copy of the New York Tribtoic, of the 
8th inst., was procured by Colonel Buell, at General Slo- 
cum's headquarters. I had the pleasure of reading it. It 
contained an account of the battle of Franklin, the report of 
the Secretary of the Navy, and the general news of the day. 



436 CHAPLAIN HIGIIT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Our old "comrades in arms" in other Regiments, were 
engaged in the battle, hence, the account is peculiarly in- 
teresting to us all. This is the first paper, from the North, 
I have seen since leavinfr the Chattahoochee. 

Rebels have been throwing some shells to-day, but the}"^ 
fall short of those of yesterday. I felt a little uneasy on 
account of their firing, yesterday, but I am undisturbed, 
to-day. We soon get accustomed to these things. 

Our artillery is inferior to that of the rebels, as we could 
not drag heavy guns over the country through which we 
have come. 

Saturday, December 17. — Two sacks of mail arrived at 
ten a. m. Everybody is intensely delighted. It was ver}- 
much mixed. Most of the wrapping paper was gone. 
Manv of the letters for the new men were without the name 
of their Company. We received many letters belonging to 
other commands ; but almost everybody received letters. 
In addition to these, there were many papers, which gave 
us all the news up to about the 25th of last month. I read 
letters and papers from the time of the distribution of the 
mail until night. 

None of us are uneasy about General Thomas, at Nash- 
ville. The rebels are reported betbre that city. We all 
know the old lion and his legions. 

Sunday, December 18. — Preached at 9:30 a. m. ; Bible 
Class at two p. m. 

The Regiment began the constrviction of facines. They 
are seven and a half feet long and fifteen inches in diameter. 
Tlie material used is rice straw ; no other kind of straw can 
be procured here. Some of it has the rice in it and some 
has not. Through the center of the facine there is a center 
pole, from an inch to an inch and a half in diameter, and 
protruding from either end. On the outside there are Irom 
six to eight poles, smaller than the center pole, and of the 
same length as the facine. These are adjusted lengthways, 
and bound compactly about the bundle by six hoops of wire, 
rope, or withes. Wire is principally used. Rebel tele- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 437 

graph wire, taken from the line along the Charleston and 
Savannah railroad, is used. It looks very romantic this 
evening to see the men making facines by candle light. It 
would have made a splended picture for the illustrated 
papers. The wagons, accompanied by a detail of men, haul 
the rice from the river bank, whither it is brought in boats 
from the islands of the Savannah. Another detail is cutting 
the poles in the woods. Cane is preferred, but enough of 
tills cannot be procured. Another detail has gone for wire. 
The materials are collected in front of Colonel Buell's 
quarters. Some of the men are engaged in carrying the 
different articles to the exact places they are needed. One 
cuts the rod the exact length, and another the wire. Six- 
wires are laid on the ground, parallel with each other, and 
six or eight rods are laid across these. The straw is then 
nearly all laid on. The center pole is then laid on top ; a 
little straw is laid on it ; a man takes hold of each end of the 
wire, and the ends are brought together and fastened with- 
out lifting the bundle from the ground. The center rod 
adjusts itself to the center of the facines, and the outside 
rods come to their places. The wires are then tightened 
by a ratch-stick, and the facine is done. Seven hundred 
are being made by our Regiment. Rumor says they are to 
be used for tilling up the ditches in front of the rebel works. 
Rumors farther say that General Sherman summoned 
Hardee to surrender. The latter replied that he yet had 
one hole through which he could escape. It is said our 
people are going to make a charge. As a general rule, 
charging will not pay. Savannah and all its garrison can 
be captured by stopping up the South Carolina side of the 
Savannah river. Still, if a charge is made I think it will be 
successful, on account of the comparative smallness of the 
garrison. Only a Brigade and a half of rebels confronts the 
20th Corps. 

Thursday, December 20. — There has been cannonading 
all day around the lines. The rebel gunboats came higher 
up the river than ever before, and sent some shots whizzing 



4.38 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

l)v our camp. It makes a fellow feel a little uncomfortable 
in spite of himself. A number of men were killed and 
wounded by the rebel shells, last night. Our people have 
been very bus}^, for some davs, constructing forts in front. 
Some heavy guns are now being placed in position. Thus 
far, our men have borne the rebel cannonading without 
scarcely returning a shot. In the morning our guns are to 
open and our columns are to advance. Several loads of balk 
and two hundred facines were taken from our camp to the 
front, to be used in making ])ridges in the morning. The 
rebels continued firing until a late hour in the night. 

Orders came, just after dark, to throw a pontoon over the 
channel, beyond Argyle Island. Colonel Buell and most of 
the Regiment went to obey the order. Some difficulty is 
anticipated in putting do\\n the bridge. The rebels will 
certainly shell it from their gunboats. It is to be hoped that 
they will make no discoveries until morning. Then, they 
may have something else to attend to. 

Mail sent out this morning. No news from the North. 
Second Lieutenant Endicott, of Co. B, has been mustered 
in. Others of the new officers are also being mustered in. 
Those persons who were recommended for office, and were 
not in the line of promotion, have not received their com- 
missions. It will be a shame if some of them ever are com- 
missioned. 

Wkdnesdav, Decemjjer 28. — At 8:30 a. m. news came 
tiiat Savannaii is ours — by evacuation, 1 suppose. All night 
has been spent by our Regiment, in getting the bridge mate- 
rials to the place where it was designed to use them. Tlu' 
order now is to bring the pontoon train into the city. It will 
be some hours before we can get olf. Tiiere is a distant 
sound of heavy guns. 

Major Downev ordered tlu^ call for "strike tents" to be 
])lovvn. It sounded very foolish, at the time, as there was 
no order to march, and the pontoon was beyond Argyle 
Island. He had only heard that there was an yrder extant 
for marching. It rained soon after, and the Regiment did 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REiilMENT. 439 

not marcli for more than twenty- four hours. A httle com- 
mon sense is an excellent thing in the army. 

Attempting to bring over the boats was a dreadful day's 
work for the men. The weather was cold, and the wind 
blew a perfect gale against the boats. The task of taking up 
the part of the pontoon which had been laid down was very 
small. They were soon loaded, with all the material, on two 
old scows. The remainder of the day and night was spent 
in the bitter cold wind, trying to get the boats over on this 
side. Man}' of the men did not get anything to eat during 
the entire day. Many sunk into the quicksands up to their 
waists. They were tired on by the rebels on the other shore, 
but n-obody was hurt. 

Thursday, December 22. — It was announced, this morn- 
ing, that the men, after toiling all 3^esterday and last niglu, 
had made the landing. Some had worked two nights and a 
day, without rest or food, in the water, mud, wind and cold. 
This is what I call hard service. Those who had been thus 
engaged came in and got a little breakfast. Our commis- 
sary department is ver}^ weak. Hence, no rations have been 
drawn for the men from the new supply from the East. 
Other troops have been drawing for some days. Our A. A. 
C. S. has never been to see about getting rations. Our men 
occasionally get a hardtack or two, but the usual issue is 
beef — 

'"Only Uiis, and nothing more." 

Our Commissary has drawn a little rice ; but, where there 
are thousands of tierces, he should have gotten plenty. We 
still have some sugar, coffee, homin}^, etc., which are occa- 
sionally issued in homeopathic doses. If the soldiers were 
not thrifty, they would suffer for food. This is not consid- 
ered a land of plenty ; but the men manage to get a little to 
eat. The chief article they collect is rice, which they beat 
otT the straw. It is then encased in a hard husk, which is 
pounded off, after much labor, after the manner of beating 
hominy. One mill lias been constructed, by sawing "mill- 
stones" otT a pine log, the upper one being moved around 



440 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

by means of pins driven into it, and tiie lower "stone" 
remaining stationary. The grain goes in through a hole in 
center of the upper block, and comes out through a hori- 
zontal groove in the upper surface of the lower block. 
Some of the men were proposing improvements on this, but 
the move, to-day, renders them unnecessary. 

It must have been ten a. m. when our march for the city 
began. The five hundred rice facines, whicli our men had 
made for the assault, were loaded on the wagons for forage. 
We moved out by the same cross-road we had come in on. 
We passed the grave of Taylor, of Company K, who died 
on the 1 2th, leaving him, as we had left many others, to 
sleep, solitary and alone, in a strange land. But his rest 
will be as quiet here as anywhere, and the power of the 
resurrection will be as effectual here as anywhere ; nor 
will it militate against one's eternal interests to rise in 
Georgia. 

After reaching the main Savannah road, we turned 
towards the city. We continued, for some time, to pass the 
remains of camps. There were no fields, and the men had 
encamped in the woods. Here are the remains of a com- 
missary, under guard ; and, here on my left, are the graves 
of twelve soldiers, principally killed by rebel shells. We 
passed several trees which had been cut in two by cannon 
shots. I noticed where a shot had passed through two large 
trees. Our line of works was a little over three miles from 
tlie city. Our forts were just completed, and ready to open 
fire, when the enemy left. The works of the rebels were 
not more than three hundred yards from ours, and the inter- 
vening space is covered with water. It is a tangled swamp, 
and is almost impossible to pass through it, even when not 
under fire, and to charge through it would be an impossibil- 
ity, save along the road ; and two large, smooth-bore siege 
guns commanded this, with grape and cannister, ready for 
use. There may be some more vulnerable points on the line 
than this. The rebel works are strong, and the heavy guns 
are still standing where the rebels left them. They were 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 441 

spiked, but our people had removed the tilcvs. They have 
heavy siege carriages. A derrick, which had been used in 
mounting the guns, was abandoned by the rebels, who also 
left a quantity of ammunition. A little farther on, we found 
some of the rebel quarters. Soil, laid on timbers, with their 
tops joining, makes their tents. They seem to lie on the 
swampy ground. 

There are no splendid plantations near the city, on this 
road. The ground is low and swampy. There were some 
nice residences near the city. On our left is a large brick 
house, and near it, on a pillar, stands a reservoir, which, I 
suppose, answers the same purposes as a cistern in other 
lands. There was also a windmill for pumping water. We 
soon came into the city. It was not made to be a slave- 
holding city — the streets are too narrow ; the houses are 
small, and not surrounded by any grounds. It was, at first, 
designed, no doubt, for poor refugees from Europe, and, to 
this day, there are great swarms of foreigners here. We 
went into a part of the city between Farm street and Ogee- 
chee canal, where the houses are small, dilapidated, and tor- 
lorn ; and nearly every house is full. The ground is very 
uneven, and a part is open sewers from the city. A large 
part of our camp is covered by rice chafi' and burning tilth. 
It is rather a vile place to come a thousand miles to camp. 
The wind was blowing a gale, as we entered, mixing up 
sand, chaff, and various stenches, to suit the eyes and noses 
of such as love these things. The Companies were placed 
here and there, as ground could be found to camp on. Reg- 
imental headquarters took the best place, of course, after 
Brigade headquarters were suited. It is no place, however, 
to brag of, being in a gale of dirt, behind an Irish bagnio. 
All eyes and noses were full. This is the brilliant feat we 
read of in the Northern papers, called "Capturing Savan- 
nah." If these lines fall into the hands of any of my unborn 
posterity, after I am dead, I hope they will remember that, 
although this mav be a matter of fun to them, it was death 
to their fathers who "tit." 



442 CHAPLAIN IIKillTS JIISTOKY OF THE 

Our men began working at the rebel pontoon, immedi- 
ately on entering the city. It reached from the city to 
Hutchinson's Island, and is constructed by placing scows 
end to end. There are docks on either side, so the rising 
and tailing of the tide does not lengthen or shorten the 
bridge. The farther end was cut, and the bridge swung 
around. Ropes were put on, preparatory to drawing it up. 

In company with Adjutant Behm and Dr. Iloltzman, I 
took a short walk about the streets, late in the evening. The 
guards on Farm street did not wish to let us pass, but when 
the}^ learned that we belonged to the Pontoniers, they with- 
drew their objections and permitted us to pass on. This, and 
the neighboring streets, is closely built up with small wooden 
houses. They are usually one story high, and come out to 
the street. The streets are usually narrow and short. 

We walked down the wharv^es, to the lower portion of the 
city. The steamer Resolute, which was captured above, lay 
at tiie wharf. The Canon icus, from Hilton Head, was 
there, with General Foster on board. This ineflicient ofli- 
cer wore a cap and a blue overcoat. He is a large and tine 
looking man. He was hobbling about the boat on a crutch. 
Having served under him in East Tennessee, I can testily to 
his incompetency as an officer. He may be a man of abil- 
ity, but he is now an invalid, and, hence, unfit for the field. 
He may have been a lion, in his day, but his day is past. 

There are several other little steamers, a part of which were 
captured. The rebels destroyed their gunboats, and one 
ram, which was in ]")rocess of construction wiien they left. 

We tlid not go to the city limits, but turned to the right, 
and walked out into thr lii'art of the eit\-. Here we t'ound 
some wide and beautiful streets, which I ho|i(" to lind timi> to 
describe in the futuri'. 

Alter dark wt' returned to our uneonilortable (juarters. 
This has bcrn a (la\' of gri'at sights, and I ha\e not now 
time to do justice to tlicm. 

FuiDW. I )ia'i-:.'Mi!i':K i\. — Allrr sick call was attcndcil to, 
1 walked out again into the eit\', in eonipan\' with Dr. 



FIFTY-EIGJITH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 443 

rioltzman. We went down the wharves to tlve ij^as works, 
and then still on to the ship yard. Ev^erN^thin^ ahout the 
yard had been destroyed by tire. We then visited the 
Pulaski monument, which I will describe, in the future, if I 
have time. We passed along" some tine streets and squares, 
some ot' which I must describe in my notes, in time to come. 
We returned to our quarters at ii : 30 a. m. 

At'ter dinner, I went out into the city, in search of a 
church, as a place of worship tor my Regiment. I soon 
tbund that all the churches near us belonged to the colored 
people, and the^' were all at home. The tirst I came to was 
a Baptist Church. Several of the people were cleaning it 
out. Some guards had spent a day or two in it, and had 
done a little damage to the house. As soon as General 
Geary was notitied of the fact, he, very properly, put them 
out. There are three colored Baptist Churches in the city, 
and all of them are getting along well. There is only one 
colored Methodist Church — Asbur}^ Chapel. It is against 
the laws of Georgia to ordain a colored man as a deacon or 
elder. Now, God Almighty, in His laws, has provided lor 
this thing. The question is now being settled, whether the 
State of Georgia or the Almiglity is in command in these 
parts. There may be some in this city who are not yet sat- 
isfied as to the result ; I have no doubts, myself. The Meth- 
odist Church, above named, has seven loci.l preachers, but 
they had to take a wiiite pastor, from the Georgia Confer- 
ence, to administer the sacraments amongst them. Now, he 
has run oti', and they are inquiring what to do. I advised 
them to send North, and get an ordain^^d colored pastor. 
He can preside over the church, and gi\'e them a start. 1 
am resolved to see them again. While I \ as there, a pomp- 
ous Captain, h\ the name of Ta\lor, came strutting up, with 
a design of taking the church for his own use. Wlien told 
that it was in use as a j')lace of worshij'), he remarked to one 
of the colonel people that this "thing" must be stopi")ed for 
a time. Tie imagines that Ca]")tain Ta\l()r is ol" more import- 
ance than till' worshiji of tlu> Almiglilx'. I ga\i' the negroes 



444 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

a hint, which will save their church from desecration, I 
hope they will act on it. 

Saturday, December 24. — Hutchinson's Island is ahout 
eight miles long and a little over a half mile wide. It is 
owned by different men : is low and flat, and has often been 
flooded. At one time, it was covered to the depth of six 
feet, when there were prevailing winds from the sea. The 
cultivation of rice is prohibited, as flooding is essential to its 
growth, and this would render the city unhealthy. P'orty- 
flve dollars per acre was paid by the city as damages to the 
owners, on account of this regulation. Yesterday morning 
the channel, between the city and island, was spanned, by 
restoring the rebel pontoon. 

There are three torpedoes, of the old pattern, attached to 
some kind of a wooden frame, on the other side of the river, 
near the bank. They do not seem very dangerous, nor do I 
think they are. This torpedo is of cast iron ; it is about a 
foot in diameter and two feet in length. On the bottom, 
which is flat, there is a cross-bar, with holes in the ends, for 
fastening to a raft or other anchor. The torpedo is a cone, 
closed everv where, except at the top ; here, there is a two- 
inch hole. IIow it is charged, or what with, I cannot tell. 
I am told that there is a torpedo of a later and better pattern. 

We moved from our disagreeable camp to one but little 
better. The train was taken over the river and parked on a 
held below high tide. Companies B and G were placed in 
camp on Hutchinson's Island, at the end of the pontoon. 
They are kept ovit of the mud by a large quantity of saw- 
dust. They have a shed which gives them shelter, in part. 
Thev have plenty of lumber and shelter tents to complete 
their camp. 

Companies A and F camp at this end of the bridge. 
Their chief embarrassments are "wharf rats," and passers 
]-)\-. The remainder of the Regiment is camped here and 
there, along the wharf, above the pontoon. Most of the 
officers have houses. Regimental headquarters is at Mr. 
Dav's, on Indian street. Atter we had gone into these 



FIFTY-ElGliTII INDIANA REGIMENT. 445 

quarters, the officer on provost duty in these parts — Colonel 
Slaughter, of the 29th Pennsylvania — put a guard across the 
street, between Colonel Moore and his command. This is 
another example of "man clothed in a little brief authority," 
etc. 

To-day, I resumed my search for a church. I saw a 
Marine Church, on Bay street. Supposing it unoccupied, I 
began hunting for authority to preach the gospel there. I 
called on one of the provost guards, and from him learned 
who was officer of the ff'^i'ii'd. He sent me to the officer of 
the day. He went with me to the church. There is a high 
and heavy iron fence in front. The gates are spiked, the 
padlocks being lost. We scaled the fence and looked in at 
the window. It appeared to be a nice church, inside. I 
determined to continue my pursuit. I went to Colonel 
Wood, provost marshal of the eastern part of the city. He 
sent^ me to a Quartermaster, at the Exchange. He had 
moved his office into a building occupied by a number ot 
consuls. I went there and obtained the following paper: 

City of Savannah, Dec. 24, 1S64. 

Chaplain II. G. Might has permission to use the Mariner's Chapel until 
required for other purposes. 

By order "of Brigadier-General J. W. Geary. 

G. D. PARKER, 
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. 

This is not mv name — I suppose I must have mouthed my 
words, or else he must have been deat\ As for the signature 
of the Assistant Qiiartermaster, I have guessed at it. Many 
officers take a silly pride in signing their names so no one 
can read them. I suppose it is the same notion that causes 
boarding-school girls, when very young and tender, to 
mince their words. 

After getting this permit, I hunted up the keys. It was 
some little time before I got on the trail, but, after calling 
on a number of citizens, I at last succeeded in getting the 
keys of Mr. Thomaf, or Thompson, who keeps an insur- 
ance office on the corner of Bay and Bull. I was very 
courteously treated by Mr. Duncan and Mr, Thompson. 



446 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE 

After putting a notice of preaching to-morrow at lo : 30 a. m. , 
I returned to my quarters. I passed the Puhiski monu- 
ment, which stands at the intersection of liull and some 
other street. The sidewalks of these streets, neatly paved 
with bricks, form a square of aboilt fifty feet. On the center 
of this stands the monument. There are several other little 
squares of the same size. The whole constitutes a very 
pleasant park of shady walks and cherished memories. 
The monument square is surrounded by an iron fence. On 
each side there are five panels. Each panel has twelve 
spears, bound together by four wreaths. The posts are 
cannons, with ball on muzzle, and a flame above this. The 
fence is painted green. This is all ver}- beavitiful and 
appropriate. The guns, the shot, and the spears are 
emblematic of war — the profession of the gallant dead. 
The wreath represents the reward of those who perish in 
the cause of libert3^ The flame and the color of the fence 
call to our minds the immortalit}^ of the deeds of those who 
give their lives that man may be free. Within, springing 
from the green sod, are four bushes wdiose leaves are green 
in winter, just as time never eflaces the memor^^ of the good. 
A plain slab of gray limestone, a foot high and perhaps 
twenty feet square, is the foundation of the monument. On 
this is laid another of the same material and hight, perhaps 
seventeen feet square. Next is a base of the same material, 
about eight or ten feet square and three feet high. Tlie 
remainder of the monument is of white marble. There are 
four cannon carved in the four corners of the square, resting 
on the base. There is no inscription on the eastern or 
western sides of the square, except, overhead, on citlier side, 
is the suflicient and expressive words : 

rULASKI. 

Over the northern panel there is this inscription in baso- 

relievo : 

SAVANNAH, yni OCT., 1779. 

In the jianel there is a representation of Pulaski reci'iving 
the mortal wound. lie is mounted on a o-aUant horse, who 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REdlMENT. 147 

seems to feel the sad blow that is falling upon tlie cause of 
liberty. His nostrils are distencled, and every vein is plainly 
visible. The rider, with uncovered head, turns towards his 
wound in agony, and yet, tlrmly maintains his seat and holds 
in a tirni grasp, both reins and sword. With his right hand 
he holds his sword, and steadies himself by resting it on the 
horse's hip. His left hand grasps the reins, and presses 
upon the wound on his thigh. 

In the southern panel there is this inscription : 

PUI.ASKI, 

THE HEROIC POLE, 

WHO FELL MORTALLY WOUNDED 

FIGHTING FOR AMERICAN LIBERTY AT 

THE SIEGE OF SAVANNAH, 

gTH OCT., 1779. 

Over these panels, there is, on each side, a spread eagle, 
resting on the shields of Poland and Georgia, and holding 
in either talon the olive branch. The insertion of the shield 
of Georp-ia instead of that of America, for which Pulaski 
fought and died, is a manifestation of that sectional pride, 
which has finally led the people of this State to ruin. 

Above rises a marble shaft, of more than thirty feet. It 
is square and girted by alternate bands of stars and wreaths. 
Over all, stands the statute of libert}', by some strange 
chance, facing the north, the home of liberty. In her left 
hand she holds the pole, and cap, and wreath. In her right 
she holds out the wreath, as if to crown with immortalit}^ the 
hero who, fighting, falls in her cause. 

The monument must be more than fifty feet high. It is 
exceedingh^ creditable to all the parties concerned in its 
planning and execution. It l)ears the imprint of "Robert 
E. Lunitz, New York, A. D., 1854." 

At all hours of the dav a crowd of soldiers stand gazing 
at this monument, not simplv in admiration of it as a splendid 
work of art, but rather in veneration of him who leit home 
and country, and forgot his noble birth, to cast his lot with 
a people few and unknown, struggling for independence. 



448 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE 

Tlis death was not in \iuu. His memory shall never be for- 
i^otten. His example shall be a stimulant to noble deeds 
while the world stands. Not only this monument, but the 
numerous towns and counties named after him, attest the 
protound respect with which he is regarded by the American 
people. 

Sunday, December 25. — I had some work this morning, 
to prepare the Mariners' Church for worship. The gate 
had to be forced open and the house cleaned. I preached 
at 10 :30 in the forenoon and at six o'clock in the evening, to 
small congregations. There is no arrangement for warming 
or lighting the house. Yesterday, the first number of the 
Loyal Georgian appeared. 

I had announced a meeting at the Mariners' Church on 
the night of the 26th, but an order to move prevented me 
from attending to it. 

We left the wharf and went over on Hutchinson's Island ; 
Colonel Easton, chief commissary, desires all the wharf for 
rations. He came, drunk, to Companies A and F and told 
them to move or he would send two thousand men to drive 
them off. There is more wharf room below the pontoon 
bridge than can be filled in a month. B^^ that time it is 
expected that the grand army will be in other parts. 
Whisky is a great fool maker. The President of the United 
States should entirely exclude it from the army, except for 
medical purposes. 

It was after dark before we got our tents up. The ground 
is very soft ; a rail thrown upon it shakes the ground for a 
distance. We got some old hay to keep us out of the mud. 
The island is very damp. 

Tuesday, Deckmijkr 27. — Yesterday it rained, but to-day 
it has been very pleasant. Hutchinson's Island st^ems to 
improve. 

The entire Regiment — except Companies W and G, which 
remained at the end of tlu> jiontoon bridge — labored earnest!}'- 
all day, putting up quarters. Never has there been so much 
building done in one day by the 58lh Indiana, The Adjul- 



FlFTY-EtGIItll INDIANA REGIMENT. 449 

ant and myself made a good bunk and laid a pine floor. 
Fourteen sick men were sent to the hospital in the city. 

The old members of the 58th were paid to October 31st. 
Many of the men were sadly in need of money. Some 
of the money will be sent by express and by private parties, 
but most by allotment. We have received a general order 
requiring immediate preparations for another campaign. 

Saturday, December 31. — Lieutenant Samuel L. Sny- 
der, of Company K, and forty-eight non-commissioned ofli- 
cers and men were mustered out of the service of the United 
States, to-day, on account of expiration of term of service. 
One man, who is to be mustered out in the North, accom- 
panied them home. 

Sunday, January i. — Yesterday an effort was made to 
throw a pontoon bridge over the other channel of the river, 
but the effort resulted in a failure. The 3d Division, of the 
20th Corps, General Ward commanding, came over on this 
Island, to cross into South Carolina. In the evening all 
returned to the city, except one Brigade. Several men were 
wounded in the attempt. The work has been renewed 
to-day. Our Regiment has been working all da}^ with more 
success, as the wind is not blowing to-dav. Troops are 
moving around on steamers. 

Monday, JvVnuary 3. — The Regiment has been bus}- all 
da}', pontooning. After having more than half completed a 
canvas pontoon over the channel, beyond Hutchinson's 
Island, they were ordered to place the canvas pontoon in 
Back river, a channel still beyond. The remainder of the 
day was spent in carrying out this order, and in making a 
pontoon of scows beyond this island. The weather is pleas- 
ant ; the sun is shining. 

The 3d Division, 20th Corps, is being transported 1)}^ 
steamers from Savannah to the South Carolina shore. 

This morning I went up town with Adjutant Behm. We 
called at the postoffice, in the Government building, known 
as the custom house. The post oflice is in the lower storj', 
and is larjje enou"-li for a citv of this size. The ofHce' is 



ir)() CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

open to the citizens to-day, and stamps, in any quantit}', are 
tor sale. Mail goes out at five p. m. Corporal Wood worth, 
Company E, has been detailed to carry our mail. 

We went to the express office and sent our money North, 
paying one and one-fourth per cent., and taking all risks 
ourselves. 

Bay street extends from Ogeechee canal to the gas works, 
a distance of about one mile. At the upper end of the 
street, there are some small streets between it and the river, 
but, in the main part of the city, it is the lirst street. There 
is a row of storehouses between it and the river, but the 
space between these and the river is not dignified by the 
name of a street. These buildings are "under the bluff," to 
use the common expression. From the wharf, there are 
several winding ways for wagons up to Bay street, which 
have been constructed at great expense. There are great 
walls of stone, laid in cement, on either side of these streets, 
and there are also steps for foot passengers. The level of 
Bay street must be sixty feet above high tide. There is a 
fine view from the lower end of the street — Hutchinson's 
and adjoining islands ; the different channels of the Savan- 
nah ; the South Carolina shore ; the windings of the river ; 
the steamers Iving at the wharf, and gliding up and down the 
stream ; the distant torts, with iloating flags ; the schooners 
sitting quietly on the river, and ocean steamers farther down 
towards the sea ; the masts of the fleet, lying at anchor 
around the bend, where the hulls are hid from view ; and, 
on the right, an endless panorama of low lands and inter- 
mingled forests. Perhaps, upon this very spot stood the 
founder of this ancient city, and, looking at the scene of 
beaut}' at liis feet, beheld, in a vision, the futin"e city, rising 
in glory on the bluffs and increasing in wealth and renown 
through endless generations. This ground was certainly 
made for a magnificent seaport. 

There are some earthworks at this place, and also a mag- 
azine, covered by a carpet of grass. A heavy siege gun, 
lifting high its muzzle towards the sea, stands like a faithful 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 451 

watch dog with eager gaze, ready to "bark" at an}' 
approaching enemy. At the side of this stands a Hght- 
house — a lamp post forty feet in hight. This is for our 
friends — that for our enemies. 

On the lower end of Ba}^ street, there are some very 
ancient one-story tVame houses, the roofs of which are cov- 
ered by a thick, heavy moss. One of them is labeled 
"Washington Hall." I should judge, from its appearance, 
and the use of the term "hall," that it was a hotel far back 
towards revolutionary times. The people residing in these 
parts are a sorry looking set, chiefly foreigners. 

The Exchange stands on the left side of the street, and 
about the center. From the Exchange, Bull street leads off 
to the south, dividing the city into two districts, the eastern 
and the western. 

This street has been the theatre of several magnificent 
reviews. Kilpatrick's cavalry was advertised to appear 
to-day, but they failed, lor some reason unknown to the 
writer. 

A motly crowd was collected on the street to-day. At 
the upper end, there were large squads of negroes, in the 
Government's employ. Along the center, the crowds were 
composed chieflv of soldiers. Here and there might be seen 
a spruce naval officer. There was a goodly number of citi- 
zens, and some ladies. At present, trade is dull, except a 
few apples and the Savannah Republican — the latter a dime 
each, and the former "three for fifty cents." Army wagons 
are almost the only vehicles to be seen. There were man}' 
horsemen, dashing over the boulders, like Jehu of old. The 
soldiers are generally ragged and dirty, as they have not 
drawn a supply of clothing since the campaign began ; and, 
besides that, they have been doomed to sit over smoky, pitch 
pine fires. The ofilcers are, many of them, "dressed to 
kill." The stars of the 20th Corps prevail in numbers and 
pomposity. The little fellows from "down East" go strut- 
ting up and down the street, pregnant with their own import- 
ance and superiority. What a pity there are not more 



452 CliAPLAIN liiGIIT'S IttSTOllY OF THE 

women to smile approvingly npon them. Oh, for the per- 
fume of cambric handkerchiefs. 

General Gear^^'s Division does up the provost business. 
At tirst, thev were very annoying to the whole army, cast- 
ing o-ood men into prison. But so many complaints have 
been made that they are growing more moderate. That 
hateful sound, "Show your pass, sir," is not heard so often. 

Friday, January 6. — In the afternoon I walked over the 
bridge between this and the next island, which was com- 
pleted on last night. I also went over to the South Carolina 
shore. The bridges are all complete, and a corduroy road 
is being made over the island. 

The South Carolina shore is below high tide, and is pro- 
tected by levees. These lands are devoted to tiie cultivation 
of rice. 

The negroes cannot speak English distinctly, neither do 
they seem to full}' understand what one says to them. The}'- 
use a foreign twang and speak very rapidly, often repeating 
"sir." The women were dressed with tlie usual gaudy 
cotton handkerchiefs, wound about their heads, a good, sub- 
stantial pad round-a-bout, without fastenings in front ; a 
cotton dress, reaching halfway between knees and feet, and 
pants of some kind of cotton stuff; many of them are shoe- 
less. I did not see many men. These people are allowed 
one peck of unhulled rice per week, and nothing more. By 
their extra labor thev usually add something to this. They 
are very ignorant of the merits of tlie present crisis. Some 
of the soldiers treat them badly — stealing from them their 
bedding and scant supply of rice. 

Saturday, January 7. — I had the pleasure of seeing a 
review of the 15th Corps, on Bay Street. By chance, I was 
just coming, at about two p. m., into the street a square 
from the Exclumge, w^hen the cavalcade, headed by some 
Generals, came up and took positions just under the portico 
of the Exchange. Foremost among these is General Sher- 
man ; he rides a line but quiet horse. His bridle and saddle 
display quite an amount of brass. lie is tall and slender. 



^'IFTY-EIGIITII INDiAXA JlKGlMENT. 4.^^ 

He wears a Major-General's coat — blue, double-breasted, and 
two rows, of nine buttons each, placed in sets of three. He 
wears an old fashioned, "sideboard" shirt collar, the onl}- 
one, I suppose, in the Army of Georgia. It looks very odd 
and out of place. His gloves are without gauntlets, ding}' 
and old. His hat is low crowned, sorry looking, and des- 
titute of any ornament. When he saw the boys coming he 
twitched himself this way and that, tugged at his collar, 
pulled at his coat and made sundry adjustments of his 
apparel, by way of preparation for the coming ordeal. But 
he failed to make any improvement in his appearance. He 
returned the salutations of the Division, Brigade and Regi- 
mental commanders with a gentle wave of the hand, which 
seemed to say, "All hail — Avaunt !"• He uncovered his 
head when saluted by the colors. 

Amongst others present, was Brigadier-General Williams, 
a full, fat man, with legs thrust straight out. He wore 
cla3'bank, corduroy pants, stuffed in big boots, a Brigadier's 
coat, buttoned to the chin, a private's hat, turned down 
before and behind, an officer's wreath for a band, yellow 
belt, fall w^iiskers, liberally mixed with grey, and a face 
like a dull old doctor, who loves good whisky, with a dis- 
position to the gout. 

General Ousterhaus was by the side of General Sherman, 
managing the review with a lynx eye. At one time, when 
the column clogged up, he sent an aide with orders for those 
in front to double quick ; at another time he stormed at a 
band, "to play on," when they had stopped; and again he 
charges on the b3'standers crowding within the prescribed 
limits. He looks like a man of thirty-three. 

General John A. Logan, who has just returned from home, 
is also present, on a large grey. He has glossy, coal black 
hair and mustache. He impresses one as a man of talent. 

General Howard was present — known to all by being one- 
armed, and honored for his firmness as a christian. There 
is nothing peculiar in his dress or appearance to me, at a 
distance. 



454 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

There were several other Major-Generals, and quite a 
number of Brigadiers. Most of them are strangers to me. 

The review impressed me more by recalling the heroic 
deeds of the past, rather than by present display. As a 
pageant it was splendid ; the music was good, the marching 
fine. But I was more impressed by what was wanting than 
what was present. The thinned ranks, the Regiments com- 
manded by officers of the line, and the tattered and torn flags, 
recall the bloody battlefields of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, 
Corinth, Vicksburg, Chattahoochee, Atlanta, and many 
others, where as many men died as march by us to-day. If 
they are on review, to-day, it is before the gallant McPher- 
son, in the land beyond. The 15th Corps has many equals, 
and some superiors, on a grand review, but on the battlefield, 
and in history, it stands unsurpassed. May its banners never 
wave but in triumph, and may its dead rest in peace. 

The 1 71)1 Corps has departed to parts unknown — to me. 
I presume it has gone to Wilmington. Our people seem to 
have made a failure there, and need help to renew the con- 
test. 

Sunday, January 8. — By some mishap, a gate was 
left open, and we awoke to -find our camp flooded. The 
water did not cover all the ground, but it put out many fn-es 
and came into many of the tents. 

Mail received at ten a. m. It was just two weeks ago, 
to-day, when the last came. 

Companies A, F and K moved out to tlie other island. I 
am much discoiti-aged about my duties. My way seems 
almost entirely hedged up. How am I to attempt meeting 
this morning? Three Companies are moving, the camp is 
flooded, the weather is cold ; many of the men were working 
last night, and the mail, for the first time in a fortnight, 
comes just at church time. Were this the only time, I could 
bear it with ri'signalion. liut this is now happening, time 
after time. However, I did preach to about a dozen men 
in the quarters of the mechanics. This was all the service 
I held during the day. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA rtEGDIKNT. 455 

Tuesday, January io. — I made another visit to the city 
to-day, and took note of some other places of interest. 

The monument to General Green is on Bull street, one 
square from Bay, in the city of Savannah. It occupies the 
centre of Pulaski Square, a shad}^ little park. Clirist's 
Church and the Pulaski house face the square. It is in the 
business part of the city. The monument is a plain, square 
shaft, about fifty feet high. The material is granite. There 
is no inscription. The foundation was laid, with Masonic 
honors, by Lafayette, during his visit to this country in 1825. 
It was not completed until 1832 or '33. It never gave satis- 
faction to the public. Hence, the work was neglected and 
no inscription has been put on it. It is, indeed, an unsightly 
pile of large, square stones, laid one upon another. It 
resembles more an abutment for a bridge than a memorial 
of a hero of the Revolution. It was erected by "The Green 
and Pulaski Monument Lottery Association," chartered by 
the State of Georgia. This at once accounts for the 
wretched execution of the work. Just think of covering up 
rascality with the names of the honored dead, and professing 
to appropriate the proceeds to the erection of a monument to 
their memory. How would "The Green and Pulaski 
Monument Horse Thief Association" sound? What an 
appeal the lottery could make to the people : "Just send us 
one dollar, and you will have the noble satisfaction of con- 
tributing to one of the most sacred and praiseworthy works 
of art, that ever engaged the attention or animated the hearts 
of a grateful people, and at the same time may drinv a fi-izc 
of ffty thousand dollars.''' I would propose this inscrip- 
tion : 

ERECTED 

TO THE MEMORY OF THE 

GREENHORNS 

WHO 

BOUGHT TICKETS 

AND 

DREW BLANKS 

IN 

THE GREEN MONUMENT ASSOCIATION. 



456 CHAPLAI^^ IIlGIIf'S HISTORY OF TitR 

Forsythe Place is a splendid little park of several acres, 
at the farther end of Bull street. It is surrounded by a 
strong, high iron fence. There are many tall, straight 
pines, and other shrubbery, which gave shade for the walks 
and green carpet of grass. In the center there is a pool 
which was once a fountain. In these war times the waters 
have ceased to flow, and the four old satyrs, from whom the 
water played in many a fancy jet in other days, are without 
occupation, naked, and dirt}- as a rebel soldier. Indeed, 
one of them has turned heels over head into the muddy pool. 
Thus, Savannah is attempting to wash herself in the muddy 
pool of her own sins. 

Chaplain Pepper is a very nice man, and would not oflend 
the devil, knowinglv. He called on the rebel Methodist 
pastor in this citv, Parson Wynn. 

"Brother W3'nn," said Chaplain Pepper, "can I pray for 
the President of the United States, in your pulpit?" 

"Oh, brother," said Parson Wynn, "pray for both Gov- 
ernments." 

"But," said the Chaplain, "I do not recognize but one." 

"Well, I am afraid it will olTend some of m}^ people if you 
pray for President Lincoln, and I prefer that you should 
not." 

So, Chaplain Pepper sat behind Parson Wynn and con- 
cluded with a "good Lord — good devil" prayer, about as- 
long as one's little finger and about as strong as sage tea. 
What is Pcfpcr when it has no strength? Wherewith shall 
it be fcfpcrcd? 

Thursday, January 12. — The grand sights of this after- 
noon shall never be blotted from memory. In company 
with Dr. Holtzman, I attended the grand review of Kilpat- 
rick's cavalry. It was advertised to take place at twelve m. 
It must have been about tifleen minutes after this time when 
we arrived on the ir»"(nind, where an immense throng was 
already collect(Hl. The crowd continued to increase until 
the end of the ceremony. About i :30 p. m.. Secretary 
Stanton drove up to the Exchange in a carriage. He went 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 457 

upstairs, unci soon appeared on the upper floor of the porcli. 
I had never seen the Honorable Secretar}?- before, and can 
give no accurate description, at the distance I uas from him. 
I occupied the outside of the nearest lower story window in 
the custom house. At two p. m.. General Sherman rode up, 
and took position, on horseback, in front of the Exchange, 
fronting towards the street. On his rigiit were the following 
general officers, in the order named : Brevet Major-Gen- 
eral Meigs, Q^ M. G. ; Major-Gjn^ral Joh;i A. Dix ; Brig- 
adier-General E. D. Townsend, A. A. G. ; Major-General 
John A. Logan ; Brevet Major-General J. C. Davis ; Brig- 
adier-General Baird ; Brigadier-General Corse. 

General Meigs, the Qiiartermaster-General, had just 
arrived from Washington. He presents a line appearance, 
on horseback. His hat was pulled down in front, and two 
buttons of his coat were unbuttoned. 

General Dix, the famous New York Democrat, and the 
man who wrote "If any man pulls down the American flag, 
shoot him on the spot," looks like an old man with a 3'oung 
heart. 

Brigadier-General Townsend is a thin, spare man. 

Logan has immovable features, almost without expression. 
He turns down the upper corners of his double-breasted 
coat, hiding two buttons, and buttoning the turnover on the 
lower button of the upper set of three. He seems unmoved 
by anvthing about him. 

General Baird has a good name, amongst his troops. He 
presents a pleasant appearance. 

At two o'clock the head of the column appeared. Gen- 
eral Kilpatrick rode a beautiful little horse, well equipped. 
The General is a little man, and looks young. His head and 
face are small, and he seems to be a little hunchbacked, and 
has a fashion of movinor his head downwards. He wore 
bran new canary gauntlets, and his yellow f^ash looked like 
it was just out of the shop. His pants were sk^' blue, with 
golden cord on the outside seam. This cord, huif wu}' below 
the kneCj widened into two, with an imitation of buttons 



458 CIIArLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

between. Kilpatrick, blushing, saluted Sherman, passed to 
the rear, and took position to the left of him. 

The troops were about forty-five minutes in passing, and 
they made as good appearance as any mounted troops in the 
field could. But there were many jaded steeds, and the 
ranks were much reduced by hard service. 

Afler all was over, three cheers were given for Secretary 
of War Stanton, three for General Sherman, three for Pres- 
dent Lincoln, and so on, until the cheering fizzled, as 
usual . 

The 15th Corps is embarking on transports, and going to 
Beaufort. A forward movement is rumored to take place 
from this point, in eight or ten da3\s. 

Saturday, January 14. — Three or four volunteers, as 
many conscripts, and two or three old members of the Reg- 
iment, joined us to-da}^. Some of them have been in the 
late battles in middle Tennessee. Amongst these is Zingu 
Parks, a boy of thirteen or fourteen, Zingu was recruited 
in 1862, by Lieutenant-Colonel Embree. General Wood 
and Colonel Embree were sitting together one day when 
Zingu passed. The General was attracted by his youthtul 
appearance, and inquired, "My son, what brought you into 
the service?" "Two dollars," said Zingu. 

Sunday, January 15. — I was much surprised this morn- 
ing when Captain MilbiUMi came into my tent and told me 
that two men iiad died in our Regimental hospital last night. 
They are J. Purkiser, of Company C, and Jenkins, of Com- 
pany E. The former had the measles and the latter the 
typhoid fever. We buried them this afternoon in lot Num- 
ber 1,549, ^" Laurel Grove cemetery. We found here the 
graves of three other men of our Regiment. One was 
buried yesterday and his name was not on the grave. The 
other two are (3wen W. Sales, of Company B, died January 
3d, and James Rlioades, of K, died January ist. These 
were all new men, and I was not acquainted with any of 
them, except Mr. Purkiser. Three died at some hospital in 
the citv. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 459 

Tuesday, Jaxitary 17. — Part of the 20lh Corps passed 
to-day, and the 14th will follow to-morrow. We are to go 
to-morrow or next day. Some Regiment is to take charge 
of our three pontoon bridges over the Savannali. We move 
on with the tield pontoons. 

We have many sick and disconsolate men. I-)ratte(i men 
lose heart quicker than volunteers. Many of them have 
never heard from home since leaving there, last September. 
There is shameful neglect somewhere, or we would get 
more mail. 

Colonel Buell has been commissioned Brevet Brigadier- 
General of volunteers, to date trom the 12th inst. He is 
much better than many w^e already have. 

No movements of troops about the city, to-da}^ A part, 
at least, of the 19th Coq^s has arrived here from the Shenan- 
doah Valle}^ 

This afternoon, a section of the pontoon was floated 
around and the gunboat Pontiac, and one transport, went 
up the river. 

Thursday, January 19. — Two Divisions of the 15th 
Corps passed to-dav. The rain began to fall about the mid- 
dle of the forenoon, and continued until after dark. The 
road across the second island became impassable and many 
of the troops had to return. 

A salute of thirty-nine guns was tired this afternoon, in 
honor of something — no one in camp knows what. 

The news of the capture of Fort Fisher came yesterday. 
It is as fatal to Ben Butler as to the rebels. 

We have just received orders to march at 9 a. m., to-mor- 
row. We accompany the 14th Corps on the south bank of 
the river to Sister's Ferry. Here we crohs the river. This 
is all I know, certainly, of the movements. Poor South 
Carolina must suffer now. None of the soldiers are storing 
up mercy for her. Her deluded people will now reap the 
full reward of all their foll}^ and crimes. Charleston must 
soon fall. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



Leaving Savannah — Marchixc; Through Georgia 
Quicksands — Stuck in the Mud — At Sister's 
Ferry — Torpedoes — Preparation for Crossing 
the River — Difficulties in the Way — A Flooded 
Country — Pontoons and Perseverance Never 
Fail — Into South Carolina — No Leniency for 
THAT Rebellious State — Incidents of the March. 



WE moved from our camp about nine a. m., Friday, Jan- 
uary- 20. By order, our huts were left standing. It 
has been customary to destroy all we could not carry, but 
this is now wisely reversed. Oar huts will be serviceable to 
those who take our places. 

We recrossed the Savannah, and moved out the same road 
by which we came. When we reached the railroad cross- 
ing, we marched on the Macon, or, as it is called, the Louis- 
ville road. Generals Morgan and Carlin preceded the pon- 
toon train. General Baird moved on the direct road leading 
up the river. 

The general impression in the army is that we are begin- 
ning a campaign against Charleston. The movement on 
this side of the river is supposed to be a feint. It is gener- 
ally presumed that the army will concentrate at Branchville. 
Augusta is a rich prize, and, if it is at all possible, I think it 
will be captured, en route. 

It was cloudy in the morning, and the roads were bad, 
from recent rains. About ten a. m. rain began to fall, and 
tiirre was but little cessation up to midnight — the h<>ur of my 
retirement. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 461 

We moved very slowly, and with difficulty the train could 
"drag its weary length along." Night overtook us among 
the mud holes, about live and a half miles from the city. It 
was designed that we should advance eight miles. Bad 
roads in this part of Georgia means a verv dil^erent thing 
from bad roads in Indiana. There we stick in the mud ; 
here "the bottom falls out," as it is called. Mules and 
w^agons sink into the quicksand. Nothing but corduroy 
will remedy these holes. Our officers and men labored all 
night trving to get the train along. Nearly every saddle 
mule and many horses fell, plunging the riders headlong 
into the mud. Many wagon tongues were broken. Officers 
and men waded to their waists in the slime. Not a few 
oaths were sworn, and some bad whisky was consumed. 
In the catalogue of terrible nights, let not this rainy 
night, amongst the Georgia swamps, with a Pontoon train, 
be forgotten. Before day, all the train, except a few wagons, 
was got off the road, about six miles from the cit}^. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Moore's and Major Downe3^'s headquarter 
wagons went a mile farther and stopped in a muddy, pine 
woods. 

At seven I found a shed in which there were many strag- 
glers from our Regiment. Here, I remained until near 
midnight. The soldiers gave me coffee and crackers ; for 
on such an occasion, they are better ofT than officers. The 
officers came often to this shed to rally the men for duty, 
but as they took no steps to enforce their orders, many of 
the men remained. 

Saturday, January 21. — The rain was not falling when 
I arose at day, but the waters were still upon the face of the 
earth. 

Lieutenant Colonel Moore received orders from General 
Davis, informing him that the march liad been suspended 
on account of the weather, and directed him to go into camp 
as near Gene-ral Carlin as possible. As there was dr}-, 
sandy ground a mile back, where most of the train had 
stopped, he sent us thither. We got there about noon and 



462 



CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



the remainder of the day was spent in tixing up quarters. 
As the weather does not seem to improve, we expect to 
remain here several days. 

We hear that between the freshet and the cutting of dykes, 
by the rebels, the central column, composed of the 20th and 
half of the 15th Corps, is being compelled to return to 
Savannah. Some wagons are being washed away and 
mules drowned. I fear this will thwart our General's plans 
for some days. 

We received some letters this morning — the lirst in answer 
to letters sent North from Savannah. In one letter, received 

by me, came the informa- 
tion that a young relative 
of mine, who was cap- 
tured in the McCook 
raid, has joined the rebel 
army. His motive was 
to escape the rigor of 
imprisonment. If he 

succeeds in escaping from 
the rebels to our lines, 
there may be the end of 
the matter. But if he is 
captured he may be hung. 
The experiment is dan- 
gerous, and sinful — 
almost beyond pardon. 
Better die and rot, as many noble men have done, than swear 
allegiance to the sinking cause of the enemies of the country. 
On the day before ^^esterday we heard of the capture of 
Fort Fisher, the key to Wilminjrton. Ben Butler said it 




f'?'! 



i'*.' 





DR. S. E. Hol,T/.MAX.* 



* Dr. Holtzman was commissioned as Additional Assistant Surgeon of 
the Regiment bv Governor Morton, in 1862, and joined tlie Regiment after 
tlie battle of Shiloh. He was promoted to Assistant Surgeon, and served 
some tiine on detached service. March 26, 1864, he was made Surgeon, and 
served with the Regiment imtil its muster out. After the war, he returned 
to his old home at Bloomington, and resumed the practice of medicine. He 
afterward removed to Pontiac, Illinois, where he established lilmself in a 
good practice, and where he still lives. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 463 

could not be taken. I am no General, but I knew it could, 
and so expressed myself in my letters. Now it has fallen, 
but no lower than Mr. Ben Butler. I wish he were here, to 
rule Savannah, as he is a splendid Provost Marshal, though 
a poor General. 

Tuesday, January 24. — I spent all day reading the 
numerous stray papers which came in last evening's mail. 
Most of these were for loth Indiana men, now out of the 
service. After a hasty reading, they were distributed among 
the Companies. 

Our hopes for a few days' rest were blasted, by an order, 
which came in the evening, to march in the morning at 
seven. More letters were written to-day than during any 
day, since leaving the Chattahoochee. 

Wednesday, January 25. — Reveille at five ; marched at 
eight. For several miles, the road was. a causew^ay, with 
some bad places, on account of recent rains. Here and 
there, the roads had been improved by corduroying — some 
of it recently made. After several miles, the roads were 
good. Passing Eden, we came into a desperate swamp, 
and broke down in it, and camped just at nightfall. 

Morgan's and Carlin's Divisions are in front, and only the 
reserve artillery of the 14th Corps in the rear. 

We saw but few people, in our march to-day, and they 
were poor enough to disarm all hatred, had we borne them 
any. One family was about moving to Savannah, where 
alms were more plentiful. At another house, a woman sat 
shivering by the mule pen, guarding the last mule. The old 
man trembled with the palsy. A young man, thinly clad, 
stood shivering, while an armless sleeve told a tale of rebel 
service, which I did not feel at liberty to draw from his lips 
by Yankee questions. No people reside in any of these 
parts, save the poor. As for slaves, there never w^ere many, 
and still fewer now. 

The houses were few, and far between. Tliey are made 
of nice pine poles, stripped of their bark. The chimneys are 
made ivfter a pattern common in these parts — of sticks and 



464 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE 

mud. They are much inferior, and not so safe or durable 
as the stick chimneys in tlie North. 

Just as the head of the train reached a little run, near 
Eden, we heard, near by, a dozen or more fhots, in rapid 
succession, followed by shouts. This was an infallible indi- 
cation of the presence of the enemy, but no effort was made 
to get our men into line. Such things always agonize me 
almost beyond endurance. This is not the tirst time tiiat I 
have seen such unpardonable slowness. A moment more, 
and an orderly came galloping down the road, reporting the 
rebels "right up here." Had the}^ been disposed to attack 
the train, the}^ would have been upon us in a minute, and the 
Regiment would not have been in line. As soon as the 
Order!}' presented his report, some attempted to form a line, 
and some tried to load their guns. A part of the officers 
were very prompt, while some were as dull as stumps ; they 
were not afraid, they weren't. But there was hurrying to 
and fro. The new conscripts at length formed an indiffer- 
ent line ; skirmishers were sent forward ; the train was 
ordered to park, and Captain Smith was ordered to defend 
it with four Companies. It proved, in the end, that a bat- 
tery post master had wandered a little from the main road, 
and had been tired on by a squad of six rebels. When he 
ran, they hallooed, and then scampered off. Such is the 
battle of Eden. 

Thursday, January 26. — We left the main road, 3'ester- 
day, at Eden, and did not regain it to-day. We wound 
about through the swamp, where much of the road was 
almost impassable. General Buell's Brigade spent the after- 
noon making corduroy. We marched about six miles, 
which was as far as we could go. We camped in a sand 
field, about three miles before reaching Springtield. 

In the afternoon, while several Companies were cutting 
small pine trees for corduroy, one fell on Thomas Feeler, of 
C(jmpanv 11, and broke an arm and a leg. It is a wonder 
more accidents of tliis kind do not happi-n. The soldiers 
are very careless. When a trei^ is cut, warning is seldom 



l^IFTY-EtGItTH INDIANA REGIMENT. U% 

given until it begins to fall. It is considered great fun, to 
make the men scatter and run. And then, man}- soldiers 
will hardh' attempt to get out of the way of a tailing tree. 
Some permit it to brush them, and some stand behind a tree 
while it strikes the other side. The woods are usually full 
of men, and there is a clatter of a hundred axes. Trees are 
fiilling here and there, and men are busy carrying out the 
cuts. It is a wonder more men are not killed. 

We followed General Mortjan's Division this mornino;, 
and passed Carlin's and l^aird's Divisions near Springiield. 
When we started, we hoped to reach Sister's Ferry, on the 
Savannah, by night. But we soon came to a dead lock, and 
lay for a long time by the roadside. There was a stream 
ahead which defied the passage of the trains. 

We marched about tour miles, to-day, through a better 
country than yesterday. There were several swamp creeks, 
some plantations, and the ruins of a village. Springfield is 
the seat of justice for Effingham county. The court house 
is a two-stor}^ frame. There were but few houses in the 
place before we came ; there are fewer now. 

The weather is clear and cold, with a sharp wind blowing. 
The lire runs through the wood in all directions, burning 
the leaves. 

After spending most of the day at the creek above named, 
the pontoons were moved forward, with a design of putting 
down some balk and chess to make a bridp:e. But General 
Davis ordered none of the material to be placed in the 
stream. We then went to camp, and the men went to work. 
Poles and logs are cut and piled one upon another, until they 
rise above the surface of the water, and at ten p. m. the 
treacherous road is completed. 

After four miles travel, on Saturday, January 28, we came 
to the river road, on which we had advanced to Savannah. 
It must have been five miles above Ebenezer creek, and about 
thirty from Savannah. We turned into this road, and went 
two miles farther, to Sister's Ferry, where we went into camp, 
on the bluft', by the river side. At this point, the bluff is 



466 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

about seventy-five feet above high water mark, and there is 
a gap in it, made bv a ravine. Here is the ferry road — a 
deep cut, now full of brush, concealing torpedoes. The 
South Carolina shore is low. The river is now very high, 
and the other shore is overflown. The rebels have a long 
line of works there, but the water is up to the top of the port 
holes. The prospect of pontooning such a flood is not flat- 
tering. 

The gunboat Pontine lies anchored under the bluft'. 

Sunday, January 29. — This is the day I was to have 
preached on intemperance. But I am not prepared, and 
must, therefore, decline. Having been smoked all week 
b}' pine fires, I have been unable to even collect a few poor 
thoughts. I am sorry of this. Whisky rations are issued 
to our men, and many of them are going to the dogs. I 
would that I had the power to issue a general order, exclud- 
ing this vile stuff' from the army. At present, all my labor 
seems to be in vain. My way is hedged up ; what am I to 
do? May God help me to do something. 

I preached a sermon which I had prepared last Sabbath. 
The mornings was' cold and the attendance small. The 
work of the Lord is under par, and His servant is 
neglected. When will a brighter day dawn? May God 
send it soon. 

About twelve m. the men were put to work. A large 
detail began digging a new approach. "I had rather," 
said General Slocum, "work the entire command two weeks 
than have one man killed by the torpedoes." This is a 
noble sentiment. 

The putting in of pontoons was delayed by unloading 
two transports, which came up with forage. At dark, the 
work began in earnest, and the bridge was completed in the 
course of the night. 

Ward's Division, of the 20th Corps, is on the other side 
of the river. The 14th Corps and Geary's Division are on 
this side. One other Division of the 20th, and some of the 
15th Corps are also said to be on this side. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 46 1 

Monday, January 30. — The roads are being cleared and 
prepared on the other side of the riv^er. It is almost impos- 
sible to. get out to the main land on the South Carolina side, 
on account of the flood. The water is falling to-day. The 
road on the other side is full of water. We learn some new 
ideas almost every day in road making. To-day, in certain 
places, where the water is deep, a causeway is made of brush 
and poles, above the surface of the water, for the infantry to 
cross. Several transports came up, loaded with supplies. 
We have no mail coming in, but it goes out regularly. 

We hear that some of Hood's men have reached Augusta. 
It is probable that the rebels will make a stand at or near 
Branchville, South Carolina. Many of the planters above 
here are so firmly convinced that our army will cross into 
South Carolina, that they are sending their corn and other 
valuables across into Georgia. An expedition v^ill go some 
miles up on this side to get some of this corn. 

Supplies are now landed on this side at a point just below 
the pontoon. A wharf and a road are being made on the 
other side. 

I learn that nearly all the negroes, abandoned by General 
J. C. Davis, at Ebenezer, by the good providence of God, 
passed over the stream. A few were drowned. A few 
were captured by the rebels, unmercifully whipped, and 
sent back into slavery. Such would have been the fate of 
all had the will of Jeft' Davis anything to do with it. 

A Sergeant of the 79th Pennsylvania, while engaged, 
about ten a. m., to-day, a mile up the river, on the other 
side, in clearing up the road, stepped upon and exploded a 
torpedo. It was buried under the road. Our people knew 
nothing of its existence. The Sergeant had his left leg torn 
oft' below the knee, requiring amputation above the knee. 
At the same time, another soldier was dangerously injured. 
The men were removed to their Division hospital by Doctor 
Holtzman. After this explosion our men began searching 
for the torpedoes. They removed some twent}' or more. 
Their presence is indicated by a peg by the roadside, just 



4.68 CHAPLAIN IIKHIT'S HISTORV OF THE 

opposite the torpedo, with a number on it. The torpedoes 
usually have the appearance of an ordinary shell. They are 
buried under the road and entirely concealed from view. 
They are connected with the surface by a tin tube, a few 
inches long, and about two inches in diameter. When the 
dirt is removed from the top they present the appearance of 
the lid of a five-cent blacking box, with the hollowed side 
down. A Captain stepped on one, to-day, and slipped ; he 
lifted his foot, and lo, a torpedo. It was removed and 
found to be spoiled. Otherwise, he would have been blown 
into eternity.' Amongst the pins removed was one num- 
bered "tift}^" so we may presume^ that most of them are 
still undiscovered. 

What is the remedy ? We should get a detail of rebel 
prisoners and make a chain gang of them — officers are pre- 
ferable. Let them remove all they can find, then, let them 
draw heavy wagons before the advance of our army. This 
will efiectually cure the rebels. They w^ill soon become 
tired of blowing up their own people. It is their privilege 
to put tlie torpedoes in and ours to make them take them out. 

I have been sadly mistaken in our conscripts. I had sup- 
posed that as a class thev would be better men than volun- 
teers. I supposed that many men of standing, whose 
families or business did not permit them to volunteer, would 
be drafted. All in all, I tiiought there would be fewer wild 
young men amongst the drafted people. True enougli, 
there are many good, substantial citizens, but the mass of 
the conscripts are below par. We have amongst them 
deserters from the rebel arm}'-, refugees from the South, 
bounty jumpers, men who have been in the army before and 
"played out" of the service, shirks, butternuts and sub- 
stitutes, many of whom are the scrapings of society. The 
three hundred added to this Regiment, together with the 
whisky I'ations, have demorah/tHl this command to a shame- 
ful extent. I no where meet the encouragement I once did. 
But few of the elements of the old 58th Indiana remain, and 
I seem destined to outlive my usefulness in the Regiment. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4(19 

All this, tempts me sorely to return to private life at the end 
of my term of service — March 5th, 1865. There is more 
profanity and card playing in the Regiment than ever before. 
There is fiddling and dancing even on Sunday evening. 

Several cargoes of sutler's goods have been brought up 
the river to this point. Apples are sold at $2.00 per dozen ; 
potatoes at ^13.00 per barrel ; butter if i.oo per povmd. 

The road is not yet prepared for the passage of the army. 

Friday, February 3. — The river has been steadily fall- 
ing, and it is now about ten feet lower than when we tirst 
came here. 

The road was completed over the swamps and bayous, 
beyond the Savannah this afternoon. Kilpatrick's cavalry 
Division began crossing at two p. m. and continued until 
late at night. 

The crossing of the army was completed on the morning 
of February 5th. We will now follow on and will again be 
cut otT from our base of supplies. 

I anticipate a spirited and successful campaign. Battles 
may be fought and defeat may result to our army. But I 
anticipate only victory in the end. The Confederacy is on 
the decline. I believe that by next autumn the war will be 
over. May God grant an early and successful termination 
of this deadly struggle of iVeedom against slavery. 

Monday, February 6. — Remained in camp all day, 
expecting orders to take up the bridge and go on. Only the 
34th Illinois and five Companies of the 58th are here. Our 
people are very circumspect. A few rebels came near our 
skirmish line, yesterday and to-day, being led by the inevi- 
table man on the grey horse. They only desired to know 
whether the Yankees were gone or not. Call again, gentle- 
men. 

After dark, the long expected orders came, to take up the 
bridge and go to tlie landing on the other side. It is two 
miles above here. Immediately opposite here is a swamp, 
and directly opposite the landing above, there is a swamp 
on this side. 



470 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Our baggage wagons pulled over first, and went on up the 
road, along the river bank, through the swamp. Some rain 
had fallen during the day, and the bridge and corduroy was 
very slick. In all my travels I never saw such a road. I 
was compelled to lead my horse, and it is a wonder the army 
ever got through such a place. 

It was only half-past ten o'clock p. m. when myself and 
the front of the train reached camp. The rear did not arrive 
until 5 :30 next morning. The officers and men had an 
arduous time taking up the bridge. 

Early on the morning of the seventh, there was hurrying 
to and fro, preparatory to our departure. Orders came to 
lighten our baggage. Our wagons are ordered to haul all 
the forage they can. A part of the supply train is left with 
Captain Tousey, A. C. S., to get rations. This is what 
the army has been waiting here tor, during the last day or 
two. 

We march after the reserve artillery of the 14th Corps, at 
seven a. m. 

There is a growth of scrubby oaks about Sister's Ferry, 
on the South Carolina side. The soil is sandy. We 
marched out through a swamp. Here, in addition to gum 
and cypress, there are numerous pines. The road is made 
by cutting, parallel, two ditches, about fifteen feet apart, 
and throwing the dirt together. There is very little in this 
land for man or beast. 

About one o'clock we came to Brighton, St. Peter's 
Parish, Beaufort district. The village has nearly all been 
burned. A sign post stands yet in the center of the village 
with a board marked, "To Orangeville, 76 miles." There 
are about two dwelling houses remaining. The air is chilly 
and damp. I stopped by the embers of a building destroyed 
by fire and eat my dinner, which I had put in my saddle 
bags the day we came to the Savannah river. It had kept 
well, for it was bacon and crackers. Very unexpectedly to 
me, our train stopped and went into camp about the ruins ot 
the village. Our tents were soon up, and we were com- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4-71 

fortable. Abundance of clear water was obtained from 
a well in camp. This is a rare circumstance in a soldier's 
experience. Wells seldom afford sufficient water for the 
many soldiers that collect around them. It is equally rare 
to see a pump, or any facility for drawing water. In fact, 
at this season of the year, and in this country, the brooks 
give us more palatable water than the wells. The soldiers 
are not anno^-ed by the thought that there may be a dead 
cow a mile down the stream from which he is drinking. 
Indeed, dead horses and mules above do not injure the 
water. At Chattanooga, last spring, we drank iVom below 
hundreds of them, and the water was just as sweet as that 
which came from above these carcasses. It is difficult to 
corrupt the waters of the great Tennessee. Many things 
which people taste and smell only exist in their imagination. 

Wednesday, February 8. — We marched this morning 
at seven o'clock. Companies A and F, with a short train, 
moved with the light column, composed of Baird's Division, 
on the main Augusta road. The remainder of the trains 
and Carlin's Division went on the Orangeburg road. Mor- 
gan's Division is back at Sister's Ferry, with the supply 
trains, awaiting steamers with rations. 

Our progress was very slow to-day. Our road led through 
the swamps. We came to many quicksands, made worse 
by recent rains. The pine is almost the only growth. Here 
and there was a miserable plantation, where, in other days, 
the poor inhabitant eked out the struggle of pride and pov- 
erty. How hard it must have been trying to keep up chiv- 
alric dignity on such poor dirt. "St. Peter's Parish, Beau- 
fort District, South Carolina," sounds ver}' large in print. 
But, when you come to look at it, it is ver^^ flat and much of 
it under water. When these swamps are drained the soil 
soon filters through the sand. 

We camped, in the afternoon, at Lawtonville. This was 
a small villiage, now all gone but the church and a hut or 
two. The church is a large frame structure, painted white. 
I did not visit it or learn to what denomination it belonged. 



472 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Thursday, February 9. — Wc marched at nine o'clock, 
following Carlin's Division. Our supply train joins us, hav- 
ing obtained rations and the mail. 

We marched north eight miles, to Beach Branch Baptist 
Church. This stands at a noted cross roads, and near Beach 
Branch Swamp. It is a frame house, near the roadside, and 
unfenced. Just across the road is the cemetery, or "gar- 
den," as it is called on a tomb. This is surrounded by a 
jilank fence. Tiiere are but few graves here and still fewer 
stones. The largest is in memory of a Baptist preacher by 
the name of Webb, who, in days long gone, probably dis- 
coursed the words of life through the various associations 
amongst the swamps. 

Thus far, the road has been good, and the country the 
best this side of the river. We are still in the sandy, pine 
land. 

In illustration of the strait to which the chivalry are 
coming, a soldier told me about seeing an old planter, 
whose house had been burned, and who is now living in the 
negro quarters, gathering up a few sweet potatoes thrown 
away by the much despised Yankees. His feelings must 
have been akin to those of the widow of old, who was 
gathering up two sticks, preparator}- to baking her cake 
and dying. Whether the Good Being will bless and 
preserve these people here, as he did her, remains to be 
seen. 

We are marching on the trail of Kilpatrick's cavahy. 
Though the}^ passed several days since, and a heavy rain 
has intervened, the trail is not yet cold. Many of the houses 
are still burning. Amongst the tales of the camp is one that 
"Kill," as lie is familarly called, tilled all his boys' saddle- 
bags with matches, before leaving Savannah. Nearly all 
the dwelling houses along our route were burned before we 
come up. Here and there can be seen two or more magnif- 
icent two-story chimneys, left standing to tell the story of 
departed joys. Terrible are the judgments of the Most 
IIi<rh on South Carolina. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 478 

At Beach Branch Church we turned west and maintained 
this course for seven miles. We came almost to the Savan- 
nah. The qnid mines put their wise heads together to answer 
the question: "Why did we not keep straight on? Per- 
haps we are going to the river, lay the pontoon, and go for 
Augusta." The true explanation is that the direct road is 
through swamps ; it is easier to go around. 

After passing Beach Branch Church the country was 
pretty much the same, but the road was bad, on account of 
our close proximity to the swamps on the right. The day 
was raw, and many little fires were kindled by the men to 
warm themselves. A very convenient fire — such as I often 
make on marches — can be constructed by laying down two 
rails for dogs, then lay a half dozen rails across them and 
set them on fire. In addition to this, a comfortable seat can 
be made, at a convenient distance, by building up several 
rails. Here, you can sit and roast your shins until 3'ou must 
up and away. 

Some distance — a mile or two — this side of Mathew's 
Bluffs, we turned to the right, and went one mile north. 
Our march was sixteen miles for the day. After dark we 
camped at King Creek Church. We could hear the drums, 
at King Creek postofiice, of the column that moved on the 
Augusta road Irom Brighton. They had moved on the 
h3"potenuse, while we were describing the olher two sides of 
the triangle. 

Friday, February 10. — We remained at the church until 
nine o'clock. "King Creek Church" sounds Baptist. The 
painting black of the doorsteps is a strong confirmation, but 
within there is an altar railing, which tells a Methodist tale. 
It must belong to our people. 

We marched, to-day, as we have every day for some 
time, in the rear of all things. This is usually our fate, 
when marching with that mismanaged institution, the 14th 
Corps. 

After a march of eighteen miles, we camped, at seven 
p. m., at Fiddle Pond. I could learn nothing of the pond. 



474. CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Nearl}^ all the dwellings along the route of this day's marc!h 
had been burned. 

A peculiar old negro came into our camp, after night. 
He had tollowed us many miles, to pick up any old clothing, 
which might be left in camp to-morrow morning. He gives 
no flattering account of the beauties of slavery. 

We passed three churches, to-day, the first of which was 
Smyrna Baptist Church. This is a large frame structure, 
intended to be nicely finished within, and there are two 
melodeons and a baptistry. The second was the Savannah 
M. E. Church, which is a substantial frame building, and 
there is a cemetery near by. The last was Mt. Arkon Bap- 
tist Church, frame, and smaller than either of the others. 

Saturday, February ii. — We marched at eight o'clock 
this morning, and soon came to Morgan's Division, lying to 
the left of the road, and waiting for our column to pass. 
The 14th Corps concentrates in front of the Salkehatchie, a 
swampy stream, or rather two streams, where we crossed. 
The rebels had constructed a line of earthworks, to defend 
the crossing; but, as usual, their hearts failed them, just 
before the Yankees came up. 

From Salkehatchie to Barnwell, a distance of two miles, 
tlie soil is fertile, and under cultivation. We reached the 
village at twelve m., and pulled out to one side for every- 
body to pass. This gave us an opportunity to feed the 
stock, sleep, and view the town. Most of the business por- 
tion of the town, including the court house, is burned, and 
other houses are burning continualh'. Hence, the soldiers 
call this "Burn well." No efibrt was made to guard prop- 
erty, and the soldiers are permitted to take anvthing tliey 
desire. Tliey are not slow to improve the opportunity thus 
offered them. The rebels are now reaping the just reward 
of their long oppression of the slaves. 

'J'houijh the mills of God grind slowly, 

^'et, they grind exceeding small; 
Though with patience he stands waiting', 

With exactness grinds he all, 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 475 

Adjutant Behm, noticing some small children, with blue 
pants on, playing, inquired where they got the pants; and, 
in childish simplicity, they told him that their father pulled 
them ofF of dead Yankees. He is a soldier in the rebel army. 

About dark, we left Barnwell C. H., and marched three 
miles by 7 :t,o p. m. We went far into the brilliantly illumi- 
nated camps before stopping. The Major had one of his 
peculiar tits on him to-night. He arrested and "bucked'' 
the commissary guards, who had stolen whisky and sold it 
to a train guard, who had gotten drunk, and permitted some 
mules to be stolen. They deserve it, but why not "buck" 
the officers who draw the vile stul?\ "Ah I Ah I " said the 
judge, "circumstances alter cases." While the Major w'as 
charging around, attemptiug to restore long neglected dis- 
cipline, the Adjutant was engaged in the more peaceable 
occupation of making "souse." It was splendid — the souse, 
I mean. 

Sunday, February 12. — Marched at 7 :30 this morning, 
following the reserve artillery, which follows Morgan's 
Division. We marched seven miles north to Williston, and 
seven miles northeast to the South Edisto river. There was 
a lake district about our camp, but some of the lakes had 
been partiall}' or entirely drained. Before reaching W^illis- 
ton, we came up an elevation of twentv or thirty feet. 
Here was an entire geological change. The loose sand 
gives way to red clay and gravel, and we have a greater 
variety of timber. At Williston we found Captain Whiting 
and his section of the train, waiting to join us. Here Gen- 
eral Davis' headquarters were put up. Our cavalry had 
reached the raih^oad on last Wednesday-, and are now gone 
to the left. The ist Michigan Engineers and Mechanics are 
destroying the road east of here. All the remainder of the 
road is to our right. W^illiston seems to have but one street, 
and it runs along the railroad. The army seems now to be 
moving on Columbia. 

It was eight p. m. — long after dark — when we camped, 
in a dirty little field, exposed tQ the chilling river wind, and 



476 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S IIISTOUY OF THE 

destitute of tirewood. Many stafl' officers were young 
boobies, hanging to their mothers' apron strings, before the 
war, and have no more sense about selecting a camp for a 
Pontoon train of one hundred wagons than a child. Such 
must have been the case to-night. 

Monday, February 13. — Remaining for some hours in 
camp, this morning, we have some time for rumors, news, 
and opinions. Rumors sa}^ the 23d Corps is at Beaufort, 
and coming up. Thomas is coming through, and we are 
going into North Carolina. The news is that Kilpatrick was 
repulsed at Akin, and that Orangeburg has been captured. 
My opinion is that the rebels are going under. 

We marched at 12:30. Crossed the South Edisto on a 
trestle bridge made by the army. The main channel is 
about thirty yards wide. Beyond this, there is corduroy for 
three-fourths of a mile. After passing this, we went into 
camp, within I'orty-five miles of Columbia, from a miscon- 
ception of orders. Moved on Columbia road, at two p. m. 
Crossed Dean swamp and camped on a ridge — the highest 
we had seen in South Carolina. I suppose it to be the 
dividing ridge between the North and South Edisto. We 
have a good camp — protected from winds — rails to burn — 
good water — sand beds. We got snugly into quarters before 
dark . 

Tuesday, Febriary 14. — Tk^fore day, all the troops were 
out of camp, and moving rapidly towards the North lulisto. 
We follow the 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. We 
moved rapidly lor eleven miles to tiie river, arriving at 
eleven o'clock. Tiie river is eighteen yards wide, and the 
bridge mostly destroyed by rebels. The mechanics repaired 
it in an hour, and the arm}^ moved on. Camped about dark 
at the eighteenth mile post from Congaree river, and near 
Little Cedar Swamp. 

Wednesday, February 15. — Moved rapidly back two 
miles to cros: -roads. Speculations rife. Ari> we i?'^'"^ ^^ 
Charleston? Is something {he matter on ahead? At tlie 
cross roads, we mo\'ed to the left. The general direction is 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 477 

north. Country barren — white sand, looking like snow ; 
beautiful little bushes, resembling pine ; cross Congaree 
creek at Clark's Mill, the owner of which is said to be a 
Union man. Rebels are plentiful hereabouts. We camped 
at Boozer's Cross-roads, one and a half miles from Lexing- 
ton C. H., at four p. m., having journe3^ed twelve miles 
to-day. The assembly- sounded in many camps, just after 
we got in, and Morgan's Division moves on. 

Thursday, February i6, — Ready to march at six. 
Orders came to divide the train. Colonel Moore and Cap- 
tain McDonald go with the right wing, and half of the train 
accompanies the 14th Corps. Major Downey marches to 
the right with the remainder. We came, in a little wa}^ on 
the camp of the 20th Corps. While the Adjutant has gone 
to report to General Williams, I notice, with admiration, the 
promptness, precision, and soldierly bearing ot the men of 
this Corps. In these respects they out-shine all the Corps of 
this army. Hence, in a great measure, the jealousy of the 
14th Corps. 

The Adjutant soon returned and we moved on slowly. 
There were some rebels in front. We seemed to be going 
directly to Columbia. Our Battalion is received with 
marked courtes};- by the officers and men of the Corps. 
Diligent inquir^^ is made into the wants and desires of the 
Major. Men are offered in such numbers as he desires for 
guards or mule foragers. A place well up in the column is 
assigned to the train. 

After marching through a poor country for live miles, we 
camp, about two p. m. There was evidently some change 
in the programme. Knowing nothing, rumor supplies the 
place. It is said Columbia is evacuated and Colonel Moore 
is to come up with his section and we will bridge the Con- 
garee, which is too wide for half the bridge. The Colonel 
is on a left hand road, a mile or so from us. Some of our 
boys were out there foraging this afternoon. 

We had just gone to bed, expecting an undisturbed night's 
rest, when marching orders came, at eight p. m. We 



478 



CHArLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



moved down the Columbia roads, about two miles. We 
then turned northwest. We rejoined Colonel Moore, after 
a march of seven miles, at Zion's Church, on the Saluda 
river, at one a.m. There was a nearer road through. I do 
not know '^vhy it was not traveled. 

We had been passing through sand pine and stunted oak 
land. But during the night the soil grew solid beneath our 
tread, the sand disappears, we came to rocks, and the dick- 
ering lights revealed new^ species of trees. A part of the 

wa}' was lonesome, and to 
us, uncertain, as there had 
been considerable skirmish- 
ing yesterday. 

When we came to Colonel 
Moore's camp, we were 
very coldh' received. No- 
body got up to show^ us a 
place to camp. "Any- 
where" is the Colonel's 
usual camping place ; so we 
groped about in the dark, 
and finally settled down on 
the stones, which covered 
the hard ground. But a 
harder fate than this awaited 
Companies B and (j. They 
are sent directly on to General Howard, with twelve sections 
of pontoon — 120 feet. 

Friday, Fichruarv 17. — The order of march for this 
morning is Carlin's Division, Morgan's Division, baggage 
of troops, reserve artillerv, ist Michigan Engineers and 
Mechanics, lastly, the battalion of Pontoniers. The Pon- 




UEV. Wit. [CV KNOW Lies,* 
Private Company A. 



* Was mustered in at Camp Gibson, and served vvitli his Company until 
the battle of Stone River, where he was severely wounded. On this account 
he svas discharjjcd, April 22, 1S63, and returned home. Since the war, he 
has turned his attention to the ministry', and after some years remoxed to the 
Pacific Coast. 1 [e is now residini;- at Newman. California, and is actively 
eni^ai,'ed in the Master's work, 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 479 

toniers were Major Downey's party. We passed Zion's 
Church, near the river bank. An old citizen near here 
began a wonderful bellowing and pra3ang over some mis- 
fortune befalling him. General J. C. Davis, who was on 
his porch, made him hush, and told him to think himself 
fortunate that his house was not burned. At the river we 
saw genuine mud, which we had not seen before for many 
a day. We had met much quicksand, but here is genuine 
clay mud. The river is two hundred and fifty feet wide. 
There are twent3'-one boats in the bridge. Colonel Moore's 
battalion laid it. An army wagon had turned over from the 
bridge into the water and some of the mules had been 
drowned. The wagon is still in the edge of the stream. 
The Saluda is a mud bottomed stream, with mud banks and 
muddy water. I looked in vain for the picturesque. 




CHAPTER XXIX. 



Carolina Campaign Continued — Lexington District 
— An Abundance of Forage — War's Desolation — 
Thoughtless Destruction — Crossing Broad River 
Under Difficulties — Bad Generalship — At Wins- 
BORO — Columbia — Charleston Evacuated — Gen- 
eral Sherman — Officers of 14TH Corps — A Roast 
FOR General Davis — Crossing the Catawba — Dis- 
aster TO THE Pontoon Bridge — The Boy that 
Stood on the Bridge — In North Carolina — Fay- 
etteville — Events Crowding upon Events. 



WE moved out through a very muddv bottom road, 
but soon reached higher ground. We came into 
a high, rolHng country, which has a good soil, laid 
upon a substantial base of red cla^^ This portion of 
Lexington District is superior to any part of South 
Carolina yet visited by us. We expected to pass 
over the neck of land to Broad river. But it soon 
became evident that we were to strike that river higher 
up. We came to a land of plenty. The troops and 
trains could not use the thousands of bushels of corn and 
hundreds of stacks of fodder. The wagons are all loaded. 
The men get plenty of bacon, poultry, and other eatables. 
Many houses are given to the flames. Sometimes, not only 
the whites, but the blacks are burned out, b}^ accident or 
otherwise. Manv are houseless to-night. Thousands of 
bushels of corn, in roaring heaps, are burned bv thoughtless 
soldiers. This will cause suffering amongst the stock of the 
many trains yet to come. The winds began to rise. The 
fires spread in many places. Sometimes, the world seemed 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 481 

to be on fire. We were almost stifled by smoke and flames. 
Oh, that the planters of Lexington District had considered 
what they were doing when they invited war, to desolate 
their land. Men will persist in foolishly imagining that 
there is some way of making war simply on armed men. It 
cannot be done successfully. The fields and houses, the 
women and children, always suffer. It cannot be other- 
wise in war ; therefore let all people labor for peace. When 
they invite war, they invite pestilence, fire, famine, flood 
and death in all its most horrible forms. No land can pros- 
per save in times of peace. When we came to the Fleshley's 
Mill road, Carlin's Division continues on up the river, for 
the purpose of destroying the railroad between Columbia 
and Abbeyville. Morgan's Division moves to Fleshley's 
Mill on Broad river. The trains park on a hill, about the 
middle of the afternoon. Here, we remain until near dark. 
In the meantime. Major Downe}^ and Lieutenant Wood go 
forward to see the place where the pontoon is to be. It was 
dark when we got started again, and we were behind every- 
body, although we were expected to make the bridge over 
which the others cross. The roads were very bad for four 
miles to the river. The reserve artillery detained us until 
one a. m. We passed a pine deadening, through which the 
fire had been carried by the winds, during the day. It was 
now splendidly illuminated. We had supper at two a. m. 
Moving a Pontoon train in the rear of all things, on the day 
a bridge is desired, is an exhibition of folly ; but only such as 
is common with weak men, like General J. C. Davis. Then 
there is talk of "the unaccountable delay of the pontoons," 
and all such stuff'. Poor little Davis, he expects to march in 
triumph over Broad river in the morning. Yet he keeps 
the Pontoon train back until near morning. But he is 
not the only Jeff' Davis doomed b}^ foil}" to disappointed 
hopes. 

Our men who had traveled nearly all last night, who had 
carried their heavy burdens eighteen miles, to-day, who had 
tramped over the hills, and rolled wagons through the mud. 



482 CHAPLAIN KIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

who were stung by the injustice of requiring them to do 
impossibiHties, are required to work all night. But I have 
already trespassed on to-morrow. I must cease m}^ writing 
under this date. I will add one statement. The stock of 
the train is almost worn out by heavy loads, night traveling 
and bad treatment. 

Saturday, February i8. — There was no bridge, at day- 
light this morning — in fact, there are not enough boats to 
make one. The river is six hundred and forty feet wide. 
General Sherman has played oft' on the left wing. If we 
had our twelve sections here, which were sent with Com- 
panies B and G to General Howard, we could complete this 
bridge. Sherman favors the right wing ; Slocum favors the 
20th Corps. There are some things which a blind man can 
see. 

Fleshley's mill is torn down, to furnish balk and chess for 
the bridge. Generals Davis and Morgan came down, to 
help matters on. They fume around no little; they hurry 
men and officers ; they hurry in boat after boat, and urge up 
the work. They never seem to consider that after all the 
boats are in there will be still two hundred feet unbridged. 
They hurry away building a piece of a bridge, and never 
seem to ask themselves what good all their hurry will accom- 
plish. Nothing is done towards making the last two hun- 
dred feet. If thev had exerted themselves to prepare some 
kind of material for the last two hundred feet, they might 
have at least made a little exhibition of sense. Our people 
could not do anything more than they were doing. We had 
only one Company of Pontoniers — F — and they, and all our 
men present, had been up two nights. To tear down houses, 
and cut and haul poles from the woods, and make a bridge 
over a swift-running stream, is no small task, to men who 
have been up two nights in succession. The men were fall- 
ing asleep continually, the moment they had any relief from 
duty ; and they necessarily felt dull and stupid all the time. 
Yet the Generals were hurrying, iun'rying, all the time. 
Many were tiie reflections they cast at the officers and men. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 483 

The Pontoniers are in great disrepute to-dav. Generals 
Davis and Morgan are well convinced of their inefficiency.* 

This has been a day of vexation. All the army is waiting 
on the pontoon, and the pontoon, having not been made of 
India rubber, cannot be stretched two hundred feet longer 
than it is. We must await the coming of Captain Smith or 
Colonel Moore, or make a trestle bridge. Generals Davis 
and Morgan busied themselves about what could have been 
better done in their absence ; and at nightfall went to their 
quarters. Davis ordered Major Downey to put his men to 
work immediately, and complete the bridge, by making 
two hundred feet of trestle, by morning. Why did he not 
do this, by some other party, dviring the day? Is the man 
crazy? Our men had been up for two nights in succession, 
and had worked hard for many days. Now the}^ are ordered 
to work the third night ; and, more than this, the work can- 
not be done in a night. It cannot be completed before Col- 
onel Moore will get here, and then tlie trestles will be in the 
way. Major Downey, like a sensible man, went to bed, and 
paid no attention to the foolish and unreasonable order of 
General Davis, I feared, at the time, that we might suffer 
for this. 

Sunday, February 19. — I forgot to say, under the date 
of yesterda}^, that it was then generally known that Cheat- 
ham's Confederate Corps was fording Broad river, above us. 
We cut them oft' from Columbia, and crowded them from the 
railroad bridge above here. They are endeavoring to con- 
centrate, with the rebels from various parts, in our front. 

Colonel Moore came last night. Ten more boats were 
put in, and the bridge is done ^y daylight this morning. 
The 14th Corps crossed by day, and Kilpatrick's cavahy is 
crossing to-night. 

* How difl'erent the opinion entertained by ^^ajor-Ge^c^al George II. 
Thomas, commanding the Department of the Cumberhmd. In his report of 
operations of the army under his command, tVom September 7, 1S64, to Jan- 
uary 20, 1865. he says: "I would here remariv that the splendid pontoon train 
properly belonging to my command, with its trained corps of Pontoniers, was 
absent, with General Sherman." 



484 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

We had no meeting to-day, although we lay in camp. 
The men were tired and sleepy, and there was constant con- 
fusion, made by passing troops. 

An order, of which I had nev^er heard, had been issued, 
some time since, from Sherman's headquarters, confining 
the use of wall tents to one for the headquarters of a Brigade 
or Division, and none to a Regiment. A circular is sent 
around, calling attention to the disobedience of this, and 
requiring compliance. It is also ordered that the trains be 
lightened as much as possible. In consequence of this, there 
was a great destruction of baggage in our train. Many old 
pieces of canvas, etc., were burned, but the tents ordered to 
be destroyed were usually hid in the wagons. This was the 
case in our camp. The allowance of tents is very limited, 
and they are very light. It is a very poor plan to burn tents 
— it takes but little from the loads, and much from the con- 
venience and comfort of camp. At the very time orders are 
issued to destroy tents, there are hundreds of pounds of old 
and useless articles hauled by teamsters, guards, and others. 
Men in this train are hauling tobacco by the box, for pur- 
poses of speculation. 

Monday, February 20. — The 14th Corps crossed yester- 
day, Kilpatrick's cavalry last night, and the 20th Corps 
to-day. Fleshley's mill is a large, frame building, and near 
it is a cotton press. When we came here, there was a sup- 
ply of corn, wheat, and cotton. Broad river resembles the 
French Broad, save there is no mountain scenery here. The 
stream spreads out to a great widtli, flows gently and 
smoothly along, and has many islands. Our pontoon is 
six hundred and fort}'- feet long. 

Cheatham commenced fording the riv^er above here, on 
Saturday, and now has the start of us. Some of our men 
have been in his camp — I mean column. 

All ideas of going to Cliarleston have now vanished. We 
have prevailing rumors of going to Bull's Bay, Newburn, 
and Wilmington. None of us know certainly as to our des- 
tination. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 485 

At six p. m., the last of the army had crossed, the small- 
pox train being in the rear. It took two and a half hours to 
take up the bridge. We were supported by five Regiments 
of infantry and four guns — pretty good backing. 

At nine p. m. we marched to Little river, where there was 
a long delay, on account of the steep hill. While awaiting 
the coming of the train, we sat shivering about little lires. 
We passed a negro who had the small-pox, lying in a fence 
corner. We always have this disease along. 

We now came to solid roads, of reddish brown soil. The 
country appeared to be open and cultivated, and the soil 
seemed good. The timber was of a better quality than 
usual. Many fences were burning, as we went marching 
along. Midnight found us still upon the move. 

Tuesday, February 21. — We reached the camp of the 
20th Corps, after a march often miles, just as reveille was 
sounding, at four a. m. It was broad day light when we 
camped, after marching all night. I lay down, but slept 
none. I was fearful that we would lose our place in the 
column, after marching all night to gain it. Only those who 
have tried.it know the difference between marching near the 
front and in the rear. We stopped for breakfast, near the 
twenty-third mile post from Columbia, and the eleventh from 
Winsboro. 

At eight a. m. we moved otT, with the 20th Corps, on the 
Winsboro road. We passed through a hilly countr}^ The 
soil is thin, resting on red clay. The land is very solid, and 
better than common for South Carolina. 

Chaplain John McCrae, of the 33d Indiana, used to live 
in the5e parts. He visited his old neighbors and neighbor- 
hood, and Ibund the people in a very sad plight. He had 
not the heart to go to see all his acquaintances. Soldiers 
were everywhere, pillaging. Our men are robbing all the 
houses as we pass along. Not so many houses are 
burned as formerly, for all are tiring of the work. 
Orders are against house burning, or robbing, save for 
edibles. 



486 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

We came into a region where there were many magnifi- 
cent granite boulders, which can be easily split into slabs, 
convenient for building purposes. The people make free use 
of these, except that I saw none used in house building. 
We passed Black Jack Baptist Church, a dingy old frame 
building, enlarged, at some time past, by adding a side shed. 
It is as it was thirty 3'ears ago, when Chaplain McCrae used 
to preach in it. Near this is the Furman University, a brick 
building of three or four stories, and a most unsightly pile. 
It is without fence, or ornaments of an}^ kind, and the glass 
of the windows is broken. The building is now used for a 
receptacle of "tax in kind." It contained onl}^ cotton and 
fodder, to-day. The men took the fodder for the teams, but 
left the cotton. The Furmans are great men, among the 
South Carolina Baptists. 

The 14th and 20th Corps moved on Winsboro, by roads 
which came together just at the edge of the village. The 
foratfers and bummers of each command preceded the col- 
umns, and entered upon indiscriminate plunder of the vil- 
lage. General Gearv, commandinij the advance Division of 
the 20th Corps, arrested them, and took their forage from 
them, which gave great offense to the 14th Corps. 

The 20th Corps entered Winsboro in great pomp — ban- 
ners unfurled, and music by the bands. The 14th Corps left 
the town to the right. We found a pleasant town, but most 
of the people were gone. A few houses had been fired b}- 
the bummers, but the flames were extinguished by the 
advance guard, and provost guards were put on dutv. We 
moved on tlirough the town, and camped, three miles out on 
the Rocky Mount road, having marched thirteen and a half 
miles, and camping before night. General Sherman joined 
us at Winsboro. 

The rebels are continually massing in our front, and a bat- 
tle may be fought before many days. 

Wednesday, Feuruary 22. — The orders, which were 
given yesterday, to divide the train, were countermanded, 
and we marched with the 20th Corps, on the Rocky Mount 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4«7 

road, only one Division and short train being in advance of 
us. The 14th Corps moves up the raih'oad, to destroy it, 
and make a demonstration on Chestertovvn and the upper 
fords of the Catawba. 

House robbing has become universal. I do not mean all 
the men rob houses, but all the houses are robbed. Burning 
forage has become so frequent that it has become necessary 
to put on guards, to save the stock following in rear of the 
army from starving. We are not only playing smash with 
the enem}^ but also cutting off our own supplies. In the 
regions about Columbia and Winsboro, many valuables, sent 
from Charleston for safety, were found, and appropriated by 
the finders. 

Rocky Mount is a rough ridge, about two hundred and 
fifty feet high, forming a bank for the Catawba. 

At four p. m. we reached the river, which is a rapid, clear 
stream, dashing over innumerable rocks. It was with diffi- 
culty that a sufficient depth of water to lay the pontoons 
could be found. There are high hills on either side, form- 
ing, perhaps, the most difficult approaches of any river yet 
bridged by us. When we reached the river, none of our 
men were on the other shore, and the enemy was momen- 
tarily expected to dispute the passage. The pontoon is rap- 
idly pushed, until completed, and a Brigade moves over and 
secures the crossing. Our Generals declare that they have 
outwitted the rebels. While they were looking for us above, 
on the usually traveled route, our army came suddenly here, 
and secured this ford. The rijjht wins: is crossing some- 
where below. When we first came to the river, General 
Williams was very anxious to get a few men over, "to keep 
oft' Cowans and eavesdroppers," as he expressed it. These 
were soon followed by the Brigade named above. 

Thursday, February 23. — We remained in camp while 
the 20th Corps was crossing. General Sherman came up, 
and stopped a while in our camp, talking freely to some of 
the soldiers. He informed them of the fall of Charleston, 
and told them that he knew that "they" (the Charleston- 



4Hi! CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

ians) "couldn't stand when you boys were coming up liere." 
Taking up some Carolina beans, he asked the men how long 
they cooked them. When they told him, he said, "You can 
make money by cooking these beans an hour and a halt'." 
He inquired ol' the soldiers how these compared with the 
regular arm}' bean ; when they said they were inferior, he 
replied, "That's what I thought. But we must forage off 
the country, even if the supplies are not so good." The boys 
were much pleased to have the General make himself so 
common among them, and speak words of encouragement. 
Sherman is very popular, among his officers and men. He 
is a man of brilliant genius, and those in his army can best 
appreciate the strategy of his movements, which he is con- 
stantl}^ making. The General has but a small staff, and a 
slender escort, and has few tents. He goes about quietly, 
making much less pomp than becomes his position. 

There are pretty well authenticated rumors that some of 
our foragers have been put to death by the rebels. Some 
steps have been taken towards retaliation, by our people — I 
am not informed of their nature. "War is no child's play." 

Oar people drive in all the cattle in the country, and shoot 
such as cannot travel. They are the most miserable stock I 
have ever seen. The largest are but little larger than dogs, 
and all are mere shadows. 

Affairs seem to be culminating towards a great battle in 
eastern North Carolina, or northwestern South Carolina. In 
all probabilit}', all the rebel armies will come together, and 
there will be one grand battle, decisive of the fate of the 
Confederacy. 

I took a walk about the ferry. On this side may be seen 
the ruins of a canal, built, perhaps, in early times, around 
the rapids. On the top of the hill beyond there is a singular 
tomb, strongly enclosed by stone pillars and an iron fence. 

It began raining early, and increased towards night. 
The passage of the army is delayed because of the rough- 
ness of the approaches. Indeed, there seems to be no 
hurry. Many troops might have crossed last night. Gen- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 489 

eral Williams, commander 20th Corps, and Captain Whittle- 
sey, his Qi;artermaster, are on hands at the end ot the 
bridge, pushing over the trains. 

Friday, February 24. — The cavalry completed their 
crossing last night. The 20th Corps resumed and finished 
by II :30. There was nothing then to cross except the 14th 
Corps. The right wing is crossing somewhere about Cam- 
den. The rain is falling and it is no easy task to get the 
trains up the hill on the other side. General Morgan takes 
the place of General Williams, and Captain Remington that 
of Captain Whittlesey. Morgan commands 2d Division, 
14th Corps. He wears a glazed cap and an anxious face, 
to-day. He is always plainly dressed and carries his hands 
behind him. He has some kind of a nervous twitching 
which he attempts to conceal in this way. He has the 
appearance of a modest, retiring, unassuming man. Manv 
a joke is perpetrated at the expense of Jimmy Morgan, but 
I believe him to be a good officer. I cannot learn anything 
definite of his origin. Some one told me that he was for- 
nTerly an ice packer, at Qiiincy, Ills., and came out as 
Colonel of a Regiment from that State. 

By dark only the 2d Division baggage and ist Division 
supply train were over. It was still raining and the river is 
rising, yet all hands quit and go to bed. The stream may 
soon become impassable. 

There is a marked inefficiency amongst manv of the 
officers of the 14th Corps, which stands out in paintul con- 
trast with the 20th Corps. Captain Remington, Chief 
Assistant Qiuirtermaster, wears a broad brim hat, appar- 
ently picked up in the country. There are none such now 
in the market, or worn by decent people. His boots are old 
and rough. His pants are such as are issued to common 
soldiers, perhaps "left on hand" at some issue and hence 
cost nothing. His coat is old. This plainness of dress is 
not caused b}^ poverty — then one could respect it. It is not 
caused by the nature of his labors, for when he has nothing 
to do but ride along it is the same. The Government pays 



490 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

him a large salary, and requires, among other things, that 
he should wear a certain kind of dress ; this is in part what 
he is paid for. Still, out of a sordid, mean, and avaricious 
spirit, he wraps himself in "cast off clouts." Just as we 
might expect, he has no refinement of language or manners. 
He swears in an}^ company. He is always ascribing the 
very worst of motives to his fellow men. He feels no 
interest "in king or country." He is a poor Quartermaster. 
He seems to be without care. He was one of the dirty tools 
of Jeff Davis, who stood at Ebenezer creek and kept inno- 
cent poor people from crossing. He seemed to think that 
turning women and children back to slavery, suffering and 
death, was humanity. When the work was done, he declared 
that it was the hardest dav's work he had ever done, and 
that long since he had called on General Davis to perform 
this act of humanit}^ Davis, himself, is a t3'rant. In the 
march one day there was a narrow place in the road ; it was 
blocked up by a wagon, and a man on a mule. The latter 
was coming to meet General Davis, who wished to send an 
orderly for some purpose. The man on the mule could not 
get out of the way, Davis swears he can, and without wait- 
ing for things to untangle, which they would in a moment, 
he kicks the mule, which falls and throws its rider. The 
orderly is now made to jump his horse over man and mule. 

There are many excellent ofllcers in the 14th Corps, and 
the men are as good as an}-. But the Corps is mismanaged, 
and a spirit of jealousy has possCvSsed the command. 

Sati:rday, February 25. — It is raining hard, this morn- 
ing. The river is rising and the waves are becoming w'ild 
and impetuous. The bridge is extended at each end. Too 
much time was consumed by this. Crossing was not com- 
menced until two p. m. The steep approach, just at the end 
of the bridge, has been overcome by the rise. The bridge 
heaves like a ship in a storm, liallast is placed on the lower 
ends of the boats. The water threatens to sweep away the 
bridge. No great effort is made to secure the bridge or 
hurr\' over tiie trains. The latter move slowly until dark 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4!>1 

and then ceases. The pontoon trembles and heaves ; the 
waves dash madly against the sides and over the chess. 
Deeply impressed with the great misfortune that threatened 
us, and stung by the shocking dullness of those in charge, I 
walked over the bridge and about camp until late. I then 
lay down, but could not sleep, as I knew that all the army 
might have been over. We usuall}^ cross within two days — 
we have been here three. There are difficulties, but they 
might have been overcome. The bridge might have been 
made secure. I lay asleep until midnight. There came a 
loud crash, and tlien the tidings, "the bridge is gone." 
The Pontoniers were on the bridge at the time it gave way. 
Those who could, rushed to the shore. What became of 
the others they could not tell. Nor could it be discovered 
how many boats were gone, amid the darkness of the night. 
As the crisis was over, I fell asleep. 

Sunday, February 26. — Daylight revealed twelve boats 
gone. No one had been lost. Bob Steel, of Company K, 
was the last one to rush from the bridge to shore. Some 
wags. in camp composed a parody on the occasion, some- 
what as follows : 

THE B02' STOOD OX THE PONTOON BRIDGE. 

The boy stood on the pontoon bridge. 

Whence all but him had fled; 
The waves dashed madly on the boats 

Which trembled 'neath his tread. 

They wrapped the bridge in waters wild, 

They tore the balk and chess, 
Dragged the anchors, snapped the ropes — 

And made a perfect mess. 

Then came a burst of thunder sound — 

The boy! Oh I where do we "diskivcr;" 
Ask of the waves, which far around 

With fragments strew the river. 

Racksticks, frames, and can\as fair, 

That had ever been strong and stout; 
But the noblest thing that perished there 

Would have liecn tliat boy — if he hadn't run out. 



492 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

This hasty version mav not bear the criticism of poets, 
but it will do for Pontoniers. 

There is some plain prose about our present situation. 
We are in the presence of an enemy, and our army is 
divided. We have only two Divisions on this side, and the 
rebels have a railroad from Richmond to our rear. If they 
do not improve this opportunity they are blind. 

The spirit of the Pontoniers is "can't.'' The debris of 
the bridge is taken from the stream, and General Davis 
gives orders to attempt nothing farther. The army "hangs 
fire" at the Catawba. 

Monday, February 27. — Adjutant Marshall, of the 51st 
Indiana, was captured during the famous Streight raid. He 
has remained in "durance vile" from that time to the 
present. x'Vt one time he escaped as far as Northern 
Georgia, but was brought back. He escaped again, recenth', 
and has been staying some days with us. 

We had ten wagons captured to-day, in a most disgrace- 
ful manner. They were out foraging. The Lieutenant and 
guards deserted them, save Doades, of Company I, who 
desired to do his duty. We might have recaptured them, 
but "can't" rules the day. 

General Buell was sent tor, to lay a new bridge. River 
swift. Smooth bottom. Generally said to be impossible. 
Sherman orders guns spiked, wagons burned, horses and 
mules swam, and men brought over some wa}'. Army in 
deplorable plight. Bridge commenced in old place. Mate- 
rial taken down to a place thought to be more favorable. 
Water terribly swift. Not enough ropes or anchors. Latter 
wont stick. Amid the sneers of many, General Buell pushes 
on the work. Anchors are made of the forks of trees. 
Hundreds of fifth chains are collected from the trains. 
Great stones sink the wooden ancliors. The work goes 
bravely on. liy eleven p. m. the bridge is done. Perse- 
verance has triumphed over "can't." Our guns and trains 
are saved. Disgrace to Sherman's army is prevented. 
This is one of the magniticent triumphs of the war. It 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 493 

almost equals the damming of Red river to save our fleet. 
I told some of the boys that here was a lesson for young 
men. 

Tuesday, February 28. — Crossing continued during the 
remainder of the night and until completed, at 3:30 p. m. 
The rebels are pressing on the rear. I remained all day a 
spectator of the crossing. The 69th Ohio are rear guards. 
Rebels come up in sight on the other side, and there is bang- 
ing. The rebels were mounted, and made a brisk attack, 
but our men hold their ground, and taking up the bridge 
goes on all night. Our camp is about a mile from where it 
was last night. The night's work was dreadful on the men, 
many of them having been up for several successive nights. 
The mud, here, is ahead of anything I have ever seen in 
my warfare ; it is almost impossible to get the wagons up the 
hills ; and when up, the horses and mules sink in almost up 
to their bodies. It is impossible to ride, or even walk, 
through many places. We have no feed for the stock, and 
but little for the men. "Hard times" are here. 

Wednesday, March i. — We are committed to the charge 
of General Buell and his Brigade. This is humiliating to 
our officers ; but we have so completely played out that we 
cannot complain much. We certainly need a guardian. 

General Buell's Brigade is the rear of the army, and we 
are behind it. There is a short small-pox train about a 
quarter of a mile behind us. 

Our general direction is east. We were warned of a few 
rebels on the right, and arrangements were made accord- 
ingly ; but we did not see them. Almost all the road is cor- 
duroyed. Whole Divisions and Corps are engaged in the 
work. The land is desolate. Fences are thrown into the 
road for corduroy ; many houses are burned ; nothing eatable 
for man or beast is left. The 20th, 17th and 14th Corps are 
ahead of us. 

We marched tifteen miles, and camped, at eight p. m., 
near Hanging Rock. It was then after dark. Men and 
mules are entirely worked out. 



494 CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

We are now on Revolutionary grounds. The battle of 
Camden was fought not far from here. Hanging Rock, 
which I did not see, is famous as the place where General 
Marion captured some British officers while playing cards. 

During our march next day (March 2) we passed over 
some horrible roads and some desolate country. We only 
advanced ten miles, but it took all day and parfc of the night 
to make it. 

March 3, we crossed Flat Creek, passing through Tixiho, 
or Hickory postoffice. We came to a place eighteen miles 
from Lancaster, and twenty-seven by one road and twenty- 
eight by another, to Camden, and twent3r-eight to Chester- 
field. We went the latter road. We are on a forced march. 
Camped two miles bcvond Big Lynch, after dark. Ordered 
on to save us trom capture, or something else. Stopped 
from 7 :30 to nine o'clock to feed, and then marched on, 
over good roads, to Carlin's camp, at Blakner's cross-roads 
— seventeen miles in all, reaching there by twelve, midnight. 
Some of the bummers were captured by rebels to-day. We 
have rumors of the capture of Petersburg, Wilmington, 
and Richmond. 

Saturday, March 4. — To-day, we moved in advance of 
Carlin's ist Division. It is rare for us to go in advance of 
anvthing. The rebels are posted about our place in the 
column and are hovering on the flanks, attempting the cap- 
ture of the pontoon. General Wheeler made a dash on the 
road yesterday, between the ist and 2d Divisions. Early in 
the afternoon a column of rebel cavalry was seen passing 
toward our rear, on the left. There was sharp musketry 
and cannonading a mile or two to our left, where Kilpat- 
rick's and Wheeler's forces were engaged. 

Moved east on the Chesterfield road to Mt. Grougan ; we 
then turned north and took the Ilailey's Ferry road, stop- 
ping one hour for dinner by the way. Roads pretty good 
until we neared Thompson's creek. Here we had to 
abandon Miles Ragsdale's ambulance, as it turned over, and 
we could get it no fartlier. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 495 

Soon after crossing Thompson's creek we enter North 
Carolina. The soldiers all say that they will not destroy 
property here as they did in South Carolina ; accordingly 
house burning ceases. 

About eight p. m. we camped in Anson County, North 
Carolina, about ten miles from the Great Pedee, famous in 
the times of Marion. The distance marched to-day is 
seventeen miles. 

Sunday, March 5. — We marched early, over good roads, 
along the State line, ten miles to Pagues' Ferry, about eight 
miles above Cheraw ; arriving there at twelve m. We hnd 
the Pedee about nine hundred feet wide and eight feet deep. 
As we only have eight hundred feet of boats the question 
comes up, "How can the stream be bridged?" The 
remainder of the day was spent in an attempt to give a prac- 
tical solution to this problem. 

There is cannonading, explosions and tires at Cheraw. 
We hear of the capture of guns, small arms, and materials 
of war. Some of the pontoon materials were sent up to us. 
We received some oars, anchors and ropes. 

Monday, March 6. — The construction of the bridge goes 
on slowly, as almost insurmountable difficulties must be 
overcome. Says Morgan to Buell : "This work goes on 
slowly: I have people who could do it sooner." Buell: 
" You had better do it then." Morgan : "I know nothing 
about it." Buell: "Then I would say nothing." 

Two pontoons are made by stretching tents over wagon 
beds. Two trestles are put in, the ends being sunk with 
stones. At last, after thirty-six hours of arduous and thank- 
less labor, the bridge is completed, after a manner. Kil- 
patrick's command commences to cross at five o'clock p. m. 

Tuesday, March 7. — As the 20th Corps went to Cheraw 
to cross, we have only the cavalry and the 14111 Corps to cross 
here. There is trouble with the pontoons during the day. 
The wagon bed pontoons, invented by Jimmy Morgan, 
sink, and one had to be removed and a trestle made in its 
place. Davis curses our officers for imbecility. Buell 



496 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE 

relieved unci moves on with his Division, which now takes 
the advance. Carlin's Division is over by eleven a. m. 
Baird comes next, and is over by 3 :30 p. m. Morgan's 
Division and train is over by dark. The front of our train 
reached camp, about one mile from the river, at ten p. m. 
The Regiment worked all night. It is a thankless job to be 
Pontoniers. After connection was severed with the other 
shore three men came and called for a boat. They repre- 
sented themselves as belonging to the 2d Division, of the 
20th Corps. They plead long and vigorously for a boat to 
be sent over. But when they found that no attention was 
paid to them, they tired on our men, and no more was heard 
of them. They may have been rebels, but our men did not 
return the fire. 

There was a semi-idiotic boy in Company F, sent out last 
fall, b}^ some mean man in Indiana, and with the connivance 
of other men, to save himself from the draft. This boy had 
not sense enough to take care of his food or clothing. He 
was lacking in sufhcient vigor to stand the service, and has 
dragged out a miserable existence, until to-day, when he 
died, in the ambulance. We brought the body over the 
Pedee, and buried him, about ten or eleven p. m. A 
grave was dug, evergreens were thrown on the bottom ; he 
was then laid in and covered with evergreens, and, on these 
the soil was laid. The moon's mild light gave a peculiar 
sadness to the scenes as we offered prayers about his grave. 
A high crime was committed by those who sent this boy to 
the army. There are too many such cases. Our good 
people are too good to trust their hides in battle. 

Wednesday, March 8. — The advance troops are to strain 
every nerve until Cape Fear river is reached. One of the 
questions discussed by us, is, will communications be opened 
when we reach there? A rumor reached General Sherman, 
when we were on the Pedee, that our men were already at 
Fayetteville. 

Marching this morning at seven, we mox-ed, at first, 
^'ery slowly. As \\'e ha\'e received iKly good mules trom 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 497 

each Corps — 20th and i6th — our teams are much improved. 
Our men had come over the Pedee and collected a large 
quantity of forage, and Lieutenant McMahan had started a 
mill on Mark creek. For eight or ten miles we passed 
through a splendid country. We passed New Hope M. E. 
Church in the Pagues neighborhood. We cross Mark 
creek and turn north, towards Rockingham. We then turn 
east and enter a banner pine country. It is an almost 
endless turpentine orchard. Rained hard all day. 

Camped at 9:15 p. m., after a march of twenty-four 
miles. This is very hard on men who were up all last night. 
The men who slept last night were asleep to-night, when oiu" 
boys got in. 

Thursday, March g. — We were all made glad by an 
order this morning to report to tlie 20th Corps, which 
camped in the same place we did. We moved in the rear 
of the Corps — 2d Division being in our immediate front. 
Began raining in the afternoon and continued until night. 

About dark we got into a quicksand swamp. Here, the 
front of the column camps at 6:30, the rear at ten. Horses, 
and mules fall, w^agons sink to the hub. 

Lee sends a dispatch to Wheeler, to hold Sherman in 
check at all hazards. Wheeler replies, that he cannot even 
hold the "bummers" in check. Sherman, riding one day 
at the head of the column, came to a fork in the road. 
After looking about a tew moments he took the right hand 
road. The "bummers," coming up a few minutes after, 
took the left. When Sherman saw this, he came over to the 
left-hand road and fell in behind the bummers. Such are 
the stories afloat about the bummers. Some of them have 
been captured and killed during the last few days. 

We marched through swamps and over bad roads, next 
day (March loth) covering a distance often miles. 

Early next morning (March iith) when we came within 
eleven miles of Fayetteville, we struck a good plank road. 
The people might have such, everywhere in these parts, as 
pines cover the land. All the 14th Corps has passed on. 



498 CHAPLAIN HIGRf'S HISTOEY OF THE 

We moved east nine miles and camped two miles from the 
river. Marched eighteen miles. It was late at night when 
we stopped. There was no wood about camp. The bum- 
mers had taken the town at ten a. m. ; eight were killed. 

Sunday, March 12. — Marched at eight o'clock; moving 
down the principal street of the town. The splendid United 
States arsenal — which makes the town all it is — stands on 
the right. Little, or no injury, had been done to the town. 
We moved within a quarter of a mile of an old bridge 
which was burned yesterday. Rebels are said to be on the 
other side. Our guns lire over at them. Went down to 
see, and learned that a little tug had just come in, opening 
communications with Wilmington. This is the first com- 
munication since leaving Sister's Ferry. Saw some bo3'S of 
the 13th Indiana, who had come up in a tug. I could not 
get any papers, but the boys told us that Lincoln had been 
re-inaugurated ; Schofield had landed at the mouth of Cape 
Fear river ; Wilmington was captured and our troops were 
now moving towards Goldsboro. 

Orders came around that we could send mail out at three 
p. m., and ever^doody went to writing, so that by the 
appointed hour a large number of letters were written. 
These will be the tirst letters received from Sherman's army 
for a long time. 

Our people make a bridge of seventeen boats — three hun- 
dred and fifty feet ; Buell ordered by Davis to superintend, 
but does not get there in time ; place, just below the old 
bridge. We captured a nice yawl, and might have gotten 
several more. Several old steamers were burned. The 
bummers captured an old steamer loaded with baled fodder. 
The Army of the Tennessee pontoon is laid one-half mile 
below us. Favetteville is finely fortified, especially beyond 
the river. The rebel army was all here, and went ofl' on the 
Raleigh road, and is now just over on the other side of the 
river. 

We had a little prayer meeting at night. After this was 
over, Morgan's Division came drumming down street, the 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 499 

first troops to cross. The bridge was completed at three 
p. m., and it was now eight p. m. Our people are slow to 
commence crossing, but atterwhile get in a great hurry. As 
I knew the rebels were on the other side, I went over with 
Morgan's men, thinking that they would stir the rebels. 
But the Johnnies know what they are about. They quietly 
withdraw, and give the Yankees room. 

There are some items of interest about Fayetteville, which 
would bear repetition, if I had time to collect them. This 
was formerly Cross Creek, and is an old Scotch settlement, 
as the names on the tombstones indicate. It was here that 
Flora McDonald lived. This is the head of navigation on 
Cape Fear river ; there is slack-water navigation to the Deep 
river country above here, and there is a railroad to Egypt, 
on Deep river. Here are extensive coal fields, which sup- 
plied the blockade runners from Wilmington. Many heavy 
supplies were sent trom here to Egypt. There are man}' 
cotton factories here ; they were burned this afternoon, after 
giving their contents to the poor. The proprietors offered 
to give all the proceeds to the poor, if they were spared ; 
but Sherman wisel}^ determined to destroy them. They 
burned beautifully in the evening shades. 

I visited the U. S. Arsenal — an institution designed as a 
Southern pet. Cannons are being dismantled, and injured 
all that is possible, and thrown into cisterns and wells. 
Walls are being leveled by the ist Michigan Engineers and 
Mechanics. In the end, all that is combustible is to be 
given to the flames. 

Private property is being respected and guarded. Per- 
haps the people of Fayetteville will not be so anxious for the 
next war. I hope our Government will never rebuild this, or 
any other public edifice, that has been seized by the people. 
Colonel M. C. Hunter is Provost Marshal for the town. 
There is some beautiful scenery here. 

Tuesday, March 14. — The destruction of tlie arsenal and 
cotton factories happened to-day, instead of yesterday. 
Troops continue to cross all day. 



500 CHAPLAIN HIGRf'S HISTORY OF THE 

Wednesday, March 15. — Kilpatrick has orders to use 
the bridge when he chooses. lie "chooses" to use it now, 
thus cutting oH' the 15th Corps train, and hindering the Pon- 
toon train. But he is over by twelve m., and we follow. 
We have had beautiful weather, during our stay at Fayette- 
ville. No mail or supplies have reached us from Wilming- 
ton, but our wagons are ordered to remain for some expected 
supplies. When we came here, we did not know^ but the 
campaign was ended. The general impression now is that 
we will go on to Goldsboro. 

We move on with all the spare material, leaving Captain 
McDonald to bring up that in the river. Night came upon 
us marching. We were on the Raleigh plank road, travel- 
ing north of east. Midnight found us still attempting to 
travel in the swamp, as w^e had turned off the plank road. 
We found quicksands and mud holes, innumerable. Roads 
almost impassable. 

Still we pressed foolishly on. The woods were on fire in 
some places, and many burning trees fell. I attempted to 
get a nap of sleep, occasionally ; but as horse stealing was the 
order of the night, I could not indulge much. Captain 
Smith's saddle was taken, while he was holding the halter. 
We worried along all night, making about three miles, when 
we should have been in camp. Day, at length, dawned on 
our weary command. We pulled two miles farther, to Gen- 
eral Geary's camp, reaching there at eight a. m., March 16. 
The troops were already off, and the trains were moving. 
Our mules had not been fed, watered, nor unharnessed, since 
yesterday morning ; they were now fed and watered, with 
the harness on. 

Most of the troops have moved on the Raleigh plank road, 
spoken of above. The 20th and 14th trains are on this road, 
guarded by Geary and Baird. In three miles, we come to 
Black river, which we crossed on a trestle bridge, with a cor- 
duroy floor. Moved three and a half miles farther to camp, 
making a march of ten miles by nine p. m. There were 
many rumors when we got to camp. The rebels were 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGDIENT. 501 

reported 30,000 strong in our immediate front. Tliey had 
attacked the 15th Corps, and been repulsed. A battle may 
happen to-morrow. We have various rumors of fighting 
to-day, and fighting to be. 

Friday, March 17. — The 15th Corps, which joined us 
on the right, moved out a short distance and camped. Gen- 
eral Geary's Division, and all the trains of the 20th Corps, 
including the Pontoon train, remained in camp all day, 
which aiibrded us a good rest. Fighting, to-day, on Ral- 
eigh plank road ; four Divisions of the 14th and 20th Corps 
are there. The 17th Corps is on the right. Just before 
night, the remainder of our Pontoon train came up. Fifteen 
hundred boxes of hard bread, which arrived at Fayetteville, 
after we left, was brought up for the army. 

Saturday, March 18. — Ready to march at six. Geary 
rides by the train, and swears because the mules are not har- 
nessed. He assigns us a place farther in the rear. Moved 
northeast, across the headwaters of the Little Cohera. 
Camped at eight p. m, after an eight miles march, at Raner's 
Mills. Forage and rations are found in greater quantities. 

Sunday, March 19. — We are preceded this morning by 
the 15th Corps. All troops in light marching order. Fod- 
der, corn, bacon and sweet potatoes are plentiful. Cannon- 
ading in front. Rumor sa3^s Goldsboro is ours. Camped 
at eight p. m., after a march often miles, at Pleasant Union 
Church, Sampson county, North Carolina. Rumors of war 
thicken. None of us expect to reach the new base without 
a battle. Many of us are anticipating a concentration of the 
rebel armies in our front, but none anticipate any danger. 
When the worst comes, we can retreat in safety to Wilming- 
ton. But the rebels cannot cause this, unless they evacuate 
Richmond; and, when they do this, we have gained our 
point, and can afford to fall back to Wilmington. 

Monday, March 20. — A staff" officer came to our tent at 
one a. m., and said there had been a battle, yesterday, on 
the left, the ist and 2d Divisions of the 14th Corps, and the 
1st and 3d Divisions of the 20th Corps being engaged. We 



502 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

lost three guns, and the rebels held their own. The 15th 
Corps is in our advance, and Generals Geary and Baird had 
gone, with two Brigades, each, of their Divisions. "To-mor- 
row," said the officer, "may usher in the day of dreadful 
things." He came for men to relieve the pickets withdrawn. 
Our people made several blunders. The pickets did not get 
to their proper posts until daylight. I lay awake several 
hours, thinking about the probable contest. Our men are 
not well prepared — the supply of rations is too small, and wc 
haven't enough ammunition for more than one or two days' 
big lighting. Soon after day, we moved all the trains into a 
large, open tarm, to the right of Pleasant Union Church, and 
began entrenching. We hear rumors of the near approach 
of the enemy, but no tidings from the great battle which was 
to be. We hear various rumors of yesterday's fight. There 
is but little cannonading to-day. The work of entrenching 
went bravely on, until one p. m., when orders came to move 
on to Goldsboro. We moved slowly, through a three-mile 
swamp, and, after going about five miles, we camped, in a 
field of deep sand, near Dick Raynard's Mill, in Wayne 
county, North Carolina. Rumor says our people hold 
Goldsboro and Cox's Bridge. 

Tuesday, March 21. — Marched at six, and were pre- 
ceded by a small baggage train and the ist Michigan Engin- 
eers. Our march was delayed by a miserable man trap, at 
Falling creek, where we remained an hour or more. The 
great military problem now begins to unravel, to the delight 
of every sokHer. We come on to General Terry's column 
from Wilmington. We are coming out of the wilderness, 
thank (jod. It is principal! v tlie 25th Corps (colored troops) 
passing. They are splendidly equipped, and march in good 
order, in marked contrast to Sherman's troops. Some of 
our people were a little disposed to twit the negroes, but, get- 
ting as good as they sent, they soon hush. You can say 
anything you please to an unarmed negro ; but when you 
commence on a colored soldier, he will "answer a fool 
according to his folly" — and the fool cannot help himself. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 503 

Our men almost universally commend the soldierly appear- 
ance of the colored troops. 

The 20th Corps trains stop, and go to making hospitals. 
We are ordered to go on, and report to General Terry, at 
Cox's Bridge. Cannonading, and continuous roar of mus- 
ketry, towards Bentonville. We receive the impression that 
an extensive engagement is going on ; but I have no fears of 
the result. After considerable delay, caused by General 
Terrv's train, which does not understand the art of getting 
over bad roads, we report to General Terry, who is repre- 
sented as a model man. We reached Cox's Bridge just at 
dark, and find that the bridge has been destroyed. A Brig- 
ade of colored troops is encamped on this side of the river. 
We camp in the midst of the rain and darkness. The Pon- 
toniers are called out, and soon have a bridge of twelve boats 
— two hundred and fifty feet — across the river. There was 
no hindrance or difiiculty encountered, though the enemy 
was on the other side. The colored troops, not understand- 
ing matters, did not send over a force of men to protect our 
men during the construction of the bridge. Colonel Moore 
did not name the matter, as he thought some one would sup- 
pose that he was afraid to lay the bridge. After the bridge 
was completed, the colored Brigade crossed. Heavy 
cannonading continued until late at night — I believe, all 
night. 

Wednesday, March 22. — Cannonading continued until 
daylight, and then ceased entirely. We found the timber 
inuch cut by shot and shell. The negro troops are fortify- 
ing, using paddles, for want of entrenching tools. 

We have rumors that the rebels have gone from the front, 
where the fighting has been. It is also said that our people 
captured five hundred feet of pontoons. 

Our lines beyond the river are extended and strengthened 
by additional entrenchments. The rebels have a mounted 
force near; and, by wearing our uniform, they have suc- 
ceeded in capturing several of our men, when they came 
upon them. Among these is Baker, a German, who says, 



504* CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

"If all der men in dis Regiment would hang togeder as I 
do, the officers would have h — 1 ! " 

Thursday, March 23. — General Order, No. 35, from 
General Sherman, announcing the defeat of the enemy, 
was read to the command. It also stated that the campaign 
was ended. So the 14th and 20th Corps cross the bridges 
and move on towards Goldsboro. We are to remain here 
until General Terry re-crosses his troops, when we are to go 
to Goldsboro. We had more foragers captured to-day. 

Friday, March 24. — The early part of the day was dull 
and drew its weary length heavily along. The 14th and 
20th Corps are all over. Nothing seems to be going on. 
The negro troops are quietly camped within their entrench- 
ments on the other side. Our boys are growing impatient 
to take up the bridge and be oft'. During the forenoon 
there was an occasional musket shot in advance of our lines. 
About noon there were several distant cannon shots. I 
went out into the woods, shortly after, to meditate on a ser- 
mon that I designed preaching in the evening. There were, 
by this time, occasional volleys of musketry, and an increase 
in the cannonading. As the four Corps of Sherman were 
all gone to Goldsboro, and Schotield's troops had come no 
nearer, Terry's command of a Division or two was exposed 
to the onsets of the whole rebel army. General Order No. 
35 will not prevent the rebels from making an attack. We 
are nine miles from Goldsboro. What the rebels are able 
to do at all, they are able to do before an}^ reinforcements 
can come up. I would not be surprised at an attack made 
on us here at any time. 

Tlie musketr}^ continued to increase, with an occasional 
lull. About four o'clock it broke out in great fury, nearer 
than ever. The rebels opened with their guns from a nearer 
point. The rebels were operating against our lines, in front 
of our works. Thus far our guns were silent. The uproar 
of battle increased, and several shells fell within the works 
beyond the river. One shot plunged through our works 
there. Another fell just upon the other bank. Now they 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 505 

are coming over to our side. Whiz, goes one over the 
camp. Crash, goes another, amongst the timber, over our 
heads. Another and another, fly here and there. The 
shrill assembly calls the 58th Indiana once more into line of 
battle. 

The uproar of battle increases. Some cheers are heard, 
indicating the earnestness of the combatants. In our camp, 
there was the usual rattle of ramrods and snapping of caps. 
The tattered banners were unfurled and men stood ready for 
action. Louder, nearer came the tide of battle. Couriers 
and staff' officers were hurrying to and fro. Still our cannon 
were silent. I expected ever}^ moment to hear the rebels 
charge on our entrenchments. Then showers of musket 
balls would fall about our camp. There is now nobody 
between us and the rebels, except the colored troops, and six 
guns, manned by white men. On came the rebels. The 
auspicious moment had come. Our hne, brass Napoleons 
are rolled out, and bang ! bang ! bang ! went their reports. 
This ijun makes a most infernal noise. Immediatelv, the 
rebels began to draw off. Soon all was silent. All waited 
for the renewal, and for an assault on the works. But it was 
not renewed. Perhaps they were making a reconnoisance 
preparatory to a thorough attack in the morning. Mean- 
time, the busy ax and spades pile up the breastworks, trom 
behind which death is to be meted out to the rebels. 

When dark came, the troops were crossed to this side, and 
we moved about one mile and camped. The bridges were 
taken up. It was a late hour when all reached camp. 



CHAPTER XXX. 



At Goldshoro — Close of a Campaign full of Exciting 
E\"ENTs — Some Severe Fighting — In Communica- 
tion WITH Home and Friends Once More — Pre- 
paring for the Final Campaign — News of the 
Fall of Richmond — Lee's Surrender — Great 
Rejoicing — Moving on Toward Johnson's Army — 
Now for a Completion of the Work of Crushing 
the Rebellion. 



AFTER a dav of anxietv and excitement, and a night of 
wearv watchinor, the soldiers were not in the best con- 
dition tor t'urther dutv. on the morning of March 25th. But 
the orders came to move to Goldsboro, thirteen miles dis- 
tant, and we were soon on the road. We arrived at our 
destination about twelve o'clock, and camped to the right of 
the artillerv of the 14th Corps. Here, we met the 23d 
Corps, who had come around by the way of Wilmington ; 
we had not seen them since leaving Atlanta, and it was a 
jovous reunion of old triends. Here, also, we received the 
largest mail that ever came to the Regiment. It is a great 
satisfaction to be in communication with home and tViends 
once more. 

General Sherman issued an order for a general re-organi- 
za'.ion of the armv, preparatory to another campaign, and, 
as it appears now. the tinal campaign of the war. 

While at Goldsboro our Pontoon train was repaired and 
recruited. We made new balk and chess, repaired the can- 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 507 

vas, and received an addition of twenty wagons with twenty 
sections of bridging. The work of preparation for another 
campaign was vigorously pushed all along the line. Our 
orders are, to be ready to march by April loth. 

GoLDSBORO, April 6. — This has been a dav of wonder- 
ful excitement in camp. 

General Sherman, this morning, received several telegrams 
from Major-General Carl Schurz, and others, at Xewbern, 
stating that Petersburg and Richmond were captured, with 
five hundred guns and 25,000 prisoners. During almost the 
entire forenoon this news was being read to the several Reg- 
iments. All believe, and each Regiment gives three cheers. 
Great hilarity and excitement was produced by this news. 
The noise continued all day. In the evening the bands 
phu'ed the National airs, and at night there was great freedom 
in the explosion of gun powder. The great question every- 
where asked, is, "How long do you think the war will last 
now?" There are different opinions on this question. I 
indulge a hope that by the time the leaves fall, next autumn, 
the slaveholders' rebellion will be over. 

Friday, April 7. — We have received no confirmation of 
the capture of Richmond, to-da}-, but we still believe it to 
be true. Our Pontoon train was strengthened by the addi- 
tion often boats, of the Tennessee pattern, with twenty feet 
of material, for each boat. We also got ten pontoon wagons. 
In addition to this we received twenty new arm}^ wagons, 
with six mules, and everything complete. This, with the 
six hundred feet of balk and chess — six hundred feet of 
bridge — which our people have cut, and now have in the 
kiln drying, and the various repairs going on, will 
add much to our train when next we "go forth to glorious 
war." 

Saturday, April 8. — Received orders to march next 
Monday. News of the capture of Richmond is confirmed 
to-day, by the appearance of an "extra" of a Goldsboro 
paper. It creates the wildest excitement in camp. The 
following is a reproduction of the paper : 



508 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



Extra 

By Telegraph 

FROM NEWBERN 





RICHMOND 



AND 



PETERSBURG 

ARE OURS. 



25,000 

PRISONERS 



AND 



500 GUNS. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 50l> 

Newbern, April 6, 1865. 
Major-General SHERMAN: 

Richmond was occupied by Gen. 
Wietzel, at 9 o'clock, on Monday 
morning. 

Gen. Grant took Petersburg the 
night previous. 

I have just arrived from Washing- 
ton. 

CARL SHURTZ, Major General. 



Newbern, April 6, 1865. 
Major-General Sherman: 

I have just arrived from Roanoke 
Island. Norfolk papers state that 
Richmond and Petersburg are ours. 
We took 25,000 prisoners and 500 
guns. That Lee is marching toward 
Danville. 

Gen. Schurtz corroborates this en- 
tire statement, having left Fortress 
Monr..e after it was accomplished. 

Gen. Schurtz goes to Goldsboro on 
the first train. 

Our forces marched into Richmond 
on Monday. 

Gen. Hill was killed. 

Gen. is in our hands a prisoner. 

Gens. Grant and Sheridan are fol- 
lowing Lee. 

T. T. STARKWEATHER, 
Capt. and A. Q. M. 



Newbern, April 6, 1865. 
Major-General Sherman: 

The boat is just in from Roanoke 
Island, and brings information that 
both Richmond and Petersburg have 
fallen, and that Gen. Grant has taken 
25,000 prisoners and 500 guns. 
W. W. WRIGHT, Col., 
Chief Eng. and Gen. Supt. M. R. R. 



old 



CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOUY OF THE 



We attempted to hold religious services in the evening, 
but the shooting and shouting over the tail of Richmond was 
such that we could hardly hear our own songs. There was 
reason in this rejoicing, and it was music in our ears. After 
our meeting the noise increased in every direction. Rockets 
were sent up, cheers were given, anvils were tired, canteens 
were bursted, muskets were discharged, and everybody 
shouted himself hoarse. It was a beautit'ul night. It was a 
great and glorious time, and it did not cease until the jubi- 
lant soldiers had utterly exhausted themselves. 

Monday, April io. — Marched out of camp at seven. 
There is always an unusual amount of labor to march after 

remaininjT for a time in 
camp. We accumulate 
many new things, from 
most of which we must 
part. There is alvva3's no 
small amount of fussing 
and fumincr. Morsfan had 
the adv'ance, Oaird tol- 
lovved, and our train came 
next. The 20th Corps 
moves on tiie river road 
toward Smithtiekl. The 
14111 Corps, followed by 
all the baggage, moves 
on the next right hand 
road. 

Several otlicers of our Regiment, whose time has expired, 
were mustered out March 28th. Among these, were Cap- 
tain Smith, of Company B ; Captain P^vans, of Company G ; 




AUXER M. HRVAXT," 

Company A. 



* Started in witli liis Conipan\- at Camp (jihson aiul romainod his t'uU 
three years with the Regiment, ser\ inij as (^lartermaster-Sergeant during 
the latter part of his term. After iea\iiig tiie arm \- he retiuMied to Indiana, 
and was, for se\eral \'ears, engaged in teaching, wliile completing his studies 
for the ministry. Moving to Nehraska, he continued his work in tiie same 
line. He served a term as State Senator, of Nehraska, and made an honor- 
able record. Later, he moved to Oregon, where he has iieen preaching and 
lecturing for scxcral vears, His home is now in Falls Citv, Oregon, 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 511 

Lieutenants Wood and Harper, of Company I, and Captain 
Tousey, of Company D. These all started for their homes 
April 2d, accompanied by Lieutenant Jacob Davis, of Com- 
pany B, who goes on a thirty days' leave. 

My first term of three years' service expired March 5th, 
and on March 29th I was remustered into the service for the 
unexpired term of m}^ Regiment ; so now I may properly 
style myself a veteran. 

By mistake, we began moving before Baird. After getting 
a part of our train over the little run in front of our camp, 
it was cut in two by Baird going ahead. We had nearly 
a half day's delay before we were assigned to a place in the 
column. Headquarter train for the Army of Georgia came 
by us with splendid teams, newly equippad, and wagons 
lettered on the covers, "Headquarters Army of Georgia." 
It is only since coming to Goldsboro that the left wing has 
come to the full dignity of an army, with all the departments 
represented. A number of hospital trains came by, glitter- 
ing in new "rig." The ist Division, of the 14th Corps, 
whom we found with guns stacked by the roadside, moved 
off also in our advance, except a rear guard. They have a 
new commander. General Carlin having resigned. His suc- 
cessor is General Walcott, whom I saw for the first time, 
to-day. He is neatly dressed and makes an excellent 
appearance on first sight. This Division is better supplied 
than I ever saw it before. The men seem to have been 
supplied with everything they needed or desired. When 
they marched off, the ground was covered with their old gar- 
ments, and some new ones. I saw General Green, an old 
man. He has taken command of a Brigade in the 14th 
Corps. 

At eleven a. m.. we found a place — far in the rear of the 
one assigned us, yet, still in front of man}' trains. It is a 
matter of great importance to get near the head of the 
column ; then we pass over the roads before they are cut up, 
and get into camp in good season. The rear trains have 
reveille just as earh', and often travel until a late hour of the 



512 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE 

night, sometimes all niglit. If the pontoon is tar in the 
rear, and a bridge is to be made, it is cursed for not 
being up. 

We began the march by crossing Little River on a trestle 
bridge, made by our people some time since. It is about 
iifty feet wide and its banks are set with a growtli of such 
trees as marks a fertile soil. Amongst them is the beach, 
an old friend and favorite of my boyhood da^'S. 

Heard cannonading in front before leaving Goldsboro. 
Heavy musketry skirmishing heard several times during the 
dav. We had several men killed. With some, there is an 
impression that Johnson will give battle at Smithtield. If 
he does, Sherman will accept it immediateh^ The rebels 
knew that our army was going to advance to-day. Wade 
Hampton so informed a citizen, a few days since, and the 
citizen told Dr. Holtzman, to-day. 

I should say in general terms that our entire army is bet- 
ter equipped than ever betore. Supplies have been poured 
upon us with Potomac profusion. We are better off' than 
when we began the Atlanta, Savannah or Goldsboro cam- 
paigns. The men are in better health and spirits than ever 
before. The army has been largely augmented, not onh' 
bv the addition of the loth and 23d Corps, but new Regi- 
ments and detachments have been added to the old organi- 
zations. Captain Remington, Qiiartermaster of the 14th 
Corps, told me that the 14th must be three thousand 
stronger than when leaving Savannah. The Army of 
tlio Tennessee is marching on our right. About the 
Army of North Carolina, I am not intormed. The 23d 
Corps is at Goldsboro, and has marching orders for noon. 
The loth Corps is not there, and has not been, so far as 
I know. 

There has been quite a moral reformation in the army 
during our stay at Goldsboro. Many soldiers have been 
converted. Could we have remained a wliile longer, I 
believe God would have given us a glorious revival in Sher- 
man's army. 



FlFTY-EtGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. Sl3 

Camped, before dark, near Boon Hill, after marching 
twelve miles. We killed a hog in camp and had fresh pork 
for supper. The army train was coming in nearly all night. 

Tuesday, April ii. — Marched past Walcott's Division, 
in camp, at davlight, this morning. There was skirmishing 
at that time. Came up with rear of Baird's Division, mov- 
ing out of camp. He is moving past Morgan and is to take 
the advance. As we are to reach the Neuse at Smithfield, 
to-dav, the Pontoon train should have followed the advance 
Division. But there is no such wisdom in the 14th Corps. 
Morgan closed in after Baird, and then we follow. While 
we lav here Major-General Blair, commanding the 17th 
Corps, rode up, followed b}' a dashing staff. An officer 
inquired what troops were passing on this road. When 
informed that it was the 14th Corps, the General dispatches 
an orderlv to turn his own column in on a left hand road. 

We reached Smithlield at 4 130. We found the town and 
vicinity occupied by Baird's Division, and the advance of 
the 20th Corps, General Sherman's quarters were being 
put up at the court house, and General Slocum's were 
already up at the Methodist Church. 

The village is surrounded for a little distance by a tract 
of fertile land. The streets are wide. The walks are nicely 
shaded bv elms and hackberry. The latter are the most 
beautiful specimens of this tree I have ever seen. There is 
an indescribable beauty about the young green leaves, just 
coming out. All the houses in the town are wooden except 
two — the jail and court house. The population once, must 
have amounted to sev-en or eight hundred. Most of the 
houses are now deserted. Many of them have long been. 
The doors are open and the window glass broken. There 
are several churches and school houses. But the glory of 
Smithfield has departed, and that, too, before the war. 

I notice with pleasure, yesterday and to-day, that bum- 
ming has decreased. I have seen no houses burning. The 
rebels destroyed the bridge at this place, to-day. They 
began leaving these parts yesterday. 



514. CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

The river is from fifty to sixty yards wide. Our people 
began laying a bridge and completed it within an hour. 
This one is above the old bridge, and just at the end of the 
street above the Methodist Church. Another was laid below 
the old bridge. A Brigade or two passed over about dark. 

Wednesday, April 12. — This has been a morning of 
most wonderful excitement and enthusiasm. I was awak- 
ened by loud cheers, and man}^ bands, playing in all direc- 
tions. A dispatch is being read to each Regiment, from 
General Sherman, announcing the capture of Lee's entire 
army by General Grant.* The dispatch is official, and there 
can be no doubt. The soldiers are intensely pleased, and 
have stronger hopes of an early peace than ever. During 
the entire forenoon this dispatch was being read to the Reg- 
iments as they caine up. Such a serenade of bands Smith- 
field never had before, and never will have again. In all the 
streets and from all directions comes the swelling strains. 
The troops move rapidly over the Neuse — the 14th Corps at 
the lower bridge. The design is to push on towards Raleigh 
and bring Johnson to an engagement, if possible. Sherman 
is confident, this morning, of being able to capture him and 
his entire army. 

We spend the day in camp, at Smithfield, awaiting further 
orders. The trains stick in the swamps and come in slowly. 
None but the Arni}^ of Georgia is crossing here. 

We yesterday passed a house where there had been skirm- 
ishing. The woman declared that the shooting almost 
scared her to death. "Was it infantry or cavalry?" 

*[ Special Field Order, No. 54.] 
Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, ) 
IN THE Field, Smithfield, North Carolina, April 12, 1S65.)' 
The General commanding announces to the army that he has official notice 
from General Cjrant that General Lee surrendered to him his entire army, 
on the 9th inst., at Appomattox Court- House, \'irginia. 

Glor\' to-God and our countr\-, and all honor to our comrades in arms, 
toward whom we are marching. 

A little more labor, a little more toil on our part, the great race is won, 
and our Government stands regenerated, after foin- long vears of war. 

W. T. SHERMAN, 
Major-General commanding. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. "il.") 

inquired some one. "Oh no, nothing- but 'peekits,' " said 
the old lady. 

I took a walk about the town. The Masonic and Odd 
Fellows' Halls have been rifled. In the latter there is a 
skeleton, in a coffin. Saw an old dismounted gun lying 
near the river bank. It must date back to as early as the 
Revolution. I found none who could tell its history, except 
tliat it was brought l>om Newbern, to tire on gala days. At 
the court house I noticed the shelves, in the offices, are 
emptied of their contents on the floor. The archives of 
Johnson county lie in confusion amongst the dirt. Many of 
the documents date back to the old colonial times, when 
legal proceedings were done in the 
^Bfck. King's name. The churches are open, 

Mgati ^\ and the books scattered about the pews. 

V tl At the graveyard I noticed the graves 

of a number of rebels, bearing ominous 
dates — about the time of the Benton- 
ville fight. In the same yard there is 
blood, seemingly where one of our sol- 
diers was killed yesterda}'. 
JOHN w. EMMERsoN * ^ crowd of uieu, women and children 

Lieutenant Co. F. 

came in to make application for guards, 
and most of the applicants were accommodated. The 58th 
Indiana is the only Regiment remaining here. 

Thursday, April 13. — The remainder of the trains of the 
Army of Georgia crosses this morning. We still remain, 
expecting some part of the Army of North Carolina. But 
it does not come ; rumor says it is crossing above, and 
crossing below, etc. 

In the evening we had meeting at the Methodist Church. 
It was not announced until just at the hour for meeting, j^et 

* Was mustered in with his Company and remained ^\ith it until tlie 
muster out. Was promoted to Second Lieutenant ot" tlie Company in 1865. 
A false report of his death, at Shiloh, reached his friends and a nice coffin 
was sent to bring the body home. [See page 7^.] But he got home in better 
shape after the hostilities were ended, and still lives to enjoy the fruits of the 
victory, on his farm near ()wens\ille, Ind. 




516 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

the soldiers came flocking in, until the house was full. Two 
or three ladies were present. I ascended the high pulpit, 
and, sweating, preached earnestly to the people. The sol- 
diers sang with a will. We had a good meeting, and hope 
for a revival. 

Friday, April 14. — While returning from a walk, I 
noticed that the men were rolling up their tents and blankets, 
and soon learned that marching orders had been received. 
General Slocum writes, from Raleigh, to Lieutenant-Colonel 
Moore, to leave one bridge and a sufficient guard, and come 
on to Raleigh, with the surplus material, then follow the 20th 
Corps to Cape Fear river, by way of Jones' cross-roads. It 
was 9:30 when we marched. Companies B and G remain 
behind, with Captain McDonald commanding them. I 
hardly expect to see them any more during the war. If the 
army moves on, and they remain here, we will be in differ- 
ent departments. 

We marched out on the right-hand road. The way was 
much improved by the sun, since the rear of the train passed, 
yesterday. We came to the railroad, about one mile from 
Clayton, where we met Captain Smith, of General Davis' 
staff, with a mounted escort. He had been sent by General 
Sherman to conduct the train, by a. direct road, to Jones' 
cross-roads. This point is west of Raleigh, and a little north 
of west from Clayton, and it is, therefore, out of the way to 
go by Raleigh. We moved by a road, over which no arm}- 
had ever passed, in a southwest direction, for about seven 
miles. The country was rolling, and the people had corn, 
fodder and bacon. The men "helped themselves," to use 
an army expression. Captain Smith made diligent inquir}' 
for Jones' cross-roads ; but nobody had ever heard of it, and 
he pronounced them all fools. It seemed strange to me that 
we were moving southwest in search of a place that is north 
of west. But I was not much exercised for a time. We 
crossed Little and Swift creeks, at the latter of which we 
found a most beautiful camping place. It was near night, 
but as Colonel Moore hoped to camp witli General Davis, at 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 517 

Jones' cross-roads, he moved on. We now came into a 
plainer road, but still going in the same direction, and came 
out on a Raleigh road, running east and west. Here the 
command stopped. Captain Smith had been making inquiry 
about Jones' cross-roads, but no one could give him anv 
information. He came back, swearing and blustering, and 
began to look at the map, as wisely as the learned hog at liie 
spelling book. The question was, which end of the road 
shall we take? He evidently had no idea of the points of 
the compass. Just think of moving southwest for north of 
west, and then debating whether to turn east or west I 
When he arose to mount his horse, all mystery vanished, 
for he flourished a bottle of whisky, calling, with language 
most profane, on those about him to drink. The rear of the 
loth Corps had just gone west on this road, and we follow, 
our whisky bottle dashing here and there. Being a little 
interested, I rode ahead about a mile and a half, and found 
a northwest road that led to Holly Springs, and I thought 
must lead to Jones' cross-roads. This is the right direction. 
No attention is paid to the discoveries of a sober man. Our 
whisky bottle, dashing about in the woods, turned the train 
out into a blind path, about three-fourths of a mile before 
coming to the Holly Springs road. This foad turned south 
of southwest, and led through a swamp. It was now dark, 
and the men had to go to corduroying. After traveling 
about a mile, we came to another east and west road, on 
which we traveled west. Here we found marks of troops 
having passed to-day. A short distance brought us to the 
main Wilmington and Raleigh road, running north and 
south. We were near Mr. Moore's, on Middle creek. It 
was about eight o'clock, and we went into camp. We are 
entirely out of the lines of our arm}^ The rebels captured 
a train near here this afternoon. The men have the remains 
of torty rounds each, but we are not very well prepared to 
defend ourselves. After a journey of twenty miles, we are 
only ten miles from Smithfield. After traveling twenty 
miles, we are only live miles nearer Raleigh. We are 



518 



CHAPLAIN HTGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



twenty miles southwest of the capital. Such is the result of 
following a bottle of whisky in search of Jones' cross-roads. 
And yet they tell us that whisky is a very good thing. The 
"vulgah" soldiers might abuse its use, but "refined" staff 
officers need their spirits exhilarated, by its electrifying 
effects. We are at least twenty-five miles from Jones' cross- 
roads to-night. We are in Johnson county, while our guide 
imagines that we are in Wake county. Whisky drinking is 
a great curse in the arm}^ as it is everywhere else. 

Saturday, April 15. — This morning I was speaking 
of the folly of following a bottle of whisky about through 
the counties of Johnson and Wake, when, turning m\' 
head. Captain Smith came riding up. I hope he heard 
me. I meant him. We soon came to 
where the rebs had burned the wagons 
captured yesterday. They were loaded 
with supplies. We saw the remains of 
eight. The rebels had turned them 
around. 

We pass by the end of the Holly 
Springs road, referred to yesterday. 
We <ro about two miles on the Raleigh 
road, to which we first came late yes- 
terday afternoon. We now begin to 
people who are posted about Jones' cross-roads. 
We leave the main Raleigh road and go west to Shiloh 
Chiu'ch. This is a General Baptist Church. It is an 
unpainted frame building. There are two houses near, in 
one of which is a woman about to be delivered of a child. 
Stirring times, these, for one's birth. From Shiloh we 







M. MUNFORD,* 

Company D. 



find 



* H(.'>;an his services with the Re<;;iinent <it Camp Gibson. Was made 
Hospital Steward soon after tiie Regiment went to tiie field, and served as 
such until the earlj part of 1863, when he was discharged. In the beginning 
of the Stone Ri\er light he was captured, with the Regimental hospital, and 
taken to Murfrecsboro, where he remained a prisoner during the battle. 
He was, however, permitted to minister to the wants of our wounded who 
fell into rebel hands, and thus was able to render efficient service to our 
cause, though a prisoner. Since his army service, he has been farming, near 
Princeton, Ind., where he still resides. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 



19 



march southwest to the Holly Springs road, referred to yes- 
terday and this morning. We have gone more than four 
miles this morning, but we are only three from our camp 
last night. "When the blind lead the blind, both will fall 
into the ditch." 

During the day we met several men in blue and several 
detachments, whom I afterwards concluded to be rebels. 
One man said he belonged to the 20th Corps, which is 
nowhere in these parts. The others claimed to belong to 
the loth Corps, but were not disposed to go towards it. 

They could not tell where 
it was, nor when they left 
it. One squad was rather 
overdoing the "Yankee for- 
age party." An oflicer 
with an umbrella com- 
manded. The men were 
straggling along. They 
had a cart and several 
necrroes. But in two re- 
spects they failed — they 
looked green, and had no 
forage. One little squad 
met in the woods were much 
alarmed. But they were 
all permitted to pass on. 
In the midst of these "wanderinirs throu<rh the wilder- 
ness," three Orderlies came, bringing a dispatch to Colonel 
Moore, to come on to Holly Springs by the shortest and 
best route, without regard to Jones' cross-roads, and then to 
follow on to Avent's Ferry, on Cape Fear river. The 




CAPTAIX WILLIAM DAVIS, 
Company A. 



* Was mustered .is ist Lieutenant of the Company October 9, 1S61, pro- 
moted Captain June 21, 1862. He Avas severely wounded in the battle of 
Chickamauga, on account of which he was honorably discharged May 23, 
1S64. He returned to his farm in Gibson county, and remained for several 
^ears. He then removed with his family to Nebraska, where he died a few 
years after. He was a brave man, a faithful soldier, and an honored and 
upright citizen. 



.'■)L>(> THAPLAiN HICtHT\S HISTORY OF THE 

Orderlies also brought the rumor that Johnson had surren- 
dered to Sheridan, and all our army was halted. Our men 
are disposed to believe this, as they commonly are, what 
thev want to. Some reflections are cast on Johnson for 
surrendering to Sheridan. Some one had heard that John- 
son said in Raleigh that he would nev^er surrender to Sher- 
man. 

In the midst of these rumors and confabs, dark came upon 
us, with the front at Mr. Wiley Carrol's, four miles from 
Jones' cross-roads. Wiley, burning with martial ardor, 
went oft' to the big wars, and last August lost an arm at 
Petersburg. We camp on his little farm, burn his rails, eat 
his chickens, and make ourselves at home, generally. Poor 
Wiley ; how can he restore the rails, with only one arm and 
no negroes! Truly, in the South, "this is the rich man's 
war and the poor man's fight." 

In our march of the i6th we came to a sign board that 
said, "Smitlifield, 22 miles." We had traveled forty-five 
miles. Tlie sign board lies ; it should say about thirty. We 
came about fifteen miles out of the wa}^. We did not make 
much by the "short cut." It would have been better to 
have come by Raleigh, than to have wandered as we did. 

A mile farther of good roads brought us to our goal — 
Jones' cross-roads. One dwelling house, with two women 
on the porch, attest the reality of our having reached the 
long desired haven. The Colonel, believing the story of 
Johnson's surrender, and anticipating peace in a few days, 
was storming at the soldiers for going into houses and yards. 
At Jones' cross-roads, his better nature so far prevailed as to 
cause him, on the suggestion of Major Downey, to have a 
dead horse, lying at the gate, hauled oft'. Surely sometiiing 
is going to happen. We continue to liear of the surrender 
of Johnson. Most of the Regiment believe it; I do not, 
because we have nothing but rumors. 

We now turn southwest and go to Holly Springs, about 
two miles from Jones' cross-roads. It contains a number of 
wooden houses for dwellings, and a church and school 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 521 

house. Most of the people are at home. The village 
receives its name from a spring below the church. 

Here, we overtook the train of the 14th Corps, which is 
moving on towards Cape Fear river. The troops are 
encamped on ahead. The belief is general that Johnson 
has surrendered. No dispatch has been sent around to the 
troops, but many reasons are given by those who hold to 
this faith. 

After remaining at Holly Springs long enough for the 
14th train to get out of sight, and our mules to eat and drink, 
we move on. We pass Baird's Division in camp. They 
believe that Johnson has surrendered. 

We pass through a rolling country, medium in fertility. 
At one place we could see the hills "far awa}^" beyond the 
river. We saw several citizens at home. All thought the 
war about over, and seemed glad thereof. The army is 
doing less damage to the country than common. 

We come to White Oak creek ; just bevond is General 
Davis' headquarters. Passing by these we camp, a mile 
from the creek. We march sixteen miles and camp, just 
before dark, in a grassy field. It is Sabbath evening and 
singing can be heard in some of the camps. 

We expected to remain for several days, as the army 
seems to be halted, but orders came to go on down to 
Avent's Ferry and lay a bridge, so we moved out early on 
the morning of the 17th. Afterwards the order Ibr making 
the bridge is countermanded, but the march is continued. 
We find General Morgan camped at Avent's Ferry. His 
Adjutant-General tells us that Johnson has surrendered to 
Sheridan. "Jt shows a mean principle in him," said the 
Assistant Adjutant-General, with an oath. He appeared 
much disgusted with Johnson for not surrendering to Sher- 
man. When Dr. Holtzman began to ask how he got the 
news, where Johnson surrendered, etc., we all saw that he 
knew no more about it than we did. 

Cape Fear river is much wider here than at Favetleville. 
There is e\idenct» of the rel^els ha\ing had two pontoons 



•>'> 



(^HAPLAIX HICtHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



here at some period recently. We camp in a wheat field, 
just upon the river bank. Our Generals are clearly at a 
stand. The arm\^ must wait until "something turns up." 

Tuesday, April i8. — I spent this morning in writing, 
bathing and resting. After dinner I lav down for a short 
sleep. Lieutenant McMahan came into the tent and told 
me that President Lincoln had been assassinated at a theater 
in Washington. He said that there could be but little doubt 
of the truth of the statement, for it came directly from Gen- 
eral Morgan's headquarters. I was shocked — thunderstruck. 

Have we come to this? 

^^^^^jt^ Then there is no addi- 

^^^^^^^j^^ tional step in degredation 

fl[ ^Ha '^"*^ shame for our nation 

^j^ -^^ wmMA to take. We are undone, 

^i^m r" and eternallv disgraced. 

What better are we than 
Mexico? But it cannot 
be. Too many earnest 
pra3'ers are offered up for 
the life of Abraham Lin- 
coln ; his life is precious 
at this lime, and he is the 
purest and ablest Presi- 
dent we have ever had. 
I do not believe the re- 
port, simply because I do 
not think God would let 
him die at this lime. Late in the day it became certain that 
a dispatch was being read to the troops, that the President 
was dead. I was compelled to yield a reluctant belief. 
The story of Johnson's surrender, lacking all shape or con- 
tirmation, is now generally rejected. 



S, 




IIKNRY IIl'DSON PIIILLU'S, 

Company A. 



* Born March 7, 1837; died Ajiril 17, 18S0. Scrxc-d three years with liis 
Company, foilowinti; the Regiment in all its campaigns from '62 to "65. 
After leaving the army, he relurned to his occupation as a farmer, which he 
tbllowed until Ills drath. lie was a faithful soldier, and an lionorahle, 
upright citi/en. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 523 

The assassination of President Lincoln makes a deep 
impression upon the soldiers, who speak of him with pro- 
found reverence, and swear vengeance on all rebels. Reg- 
iments are already speaking of inscribing "Lincoln 
Revengers" on their banners. 

Wednesday, April 19. — All doubts in reference to the 
death of tlie President were put to rest b}' the reading of the 
following to the Regiment : 

HKADqi'ARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, ) 

In the P'ield. Raleigh, N. C, April 17, 1S65. ) 
Special Field Order, } 
No. 51. ii" 

The General commanding announces, with pain and sorrow, that on the 
evening of the 14th inst., at the theatre, in Washington Citv. His Excel- 
lency, the President of the United States, Mr. Lincoln, was assassinated, hy 
one who uttered the State motto of Virginia. 

At the same time, the Secretary of State, Mr. Seward, whilst suffering 
from a hroken arm, was also stabbed bv another murderer, in his own house, 
but still survives; and his son was wounded, supposed fatall\'. It is believed 
by persons capable of judging that other high officers were designed the 
same fate. Thus it seems that our enem\-, despairing of meeting us in open, 
manly warfare, begins to rescrt.to the assassin's tools. 

^'our (jeneral does not wish you to infer that this is imi\ersal, for he 
knows that the great mass of the Confederate armv would scorn to sanction 
such acts, but he believes it the legitimate consequence of rebellion against 
rightful authority. We have met ever\- phase winich this war has assumed, 
and must now be prepared for it in its last and worst shape — that of assas- 
sins and guerrillas. But woe unto the people who seek to expend their w ild 
passions in such a manner, for there is but one dread result. 

By order of Major-General W. T. Sherman. 

Signed: L. M. DAYTON, 
Assistant Adjutant- General. 
Official: 

ROBERT P. DECKERD, 

Assistant Adjutant- General. 

Thursday, April 20. — During the forenoon an order was 
read from General Sherman, stating that an armistice had 
been agreed upon between himself and Johnson, and that 
something of the nature of a peace had been concluded, 
which if ratified, we might go home in a few da3^s. In the 
meantime, a line is announced between the two armies, and 
the armies go into permanent camp. T will gi't a copy of 
this order, if I can, 



:^•2\• CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

A great deal of harm could now be done, b}- giving terms 
to the rebels. I do not care how much mercy is extended 
to them, but any other concessions would only smother the 
tires of civil war. It is now within our power to end this 
war by a ver}^ short campaign. I liope, therefore, that no 
favors will be granted. If we reinstate these rebels, in all 
their propertv and former civil rights, and leave the negroes 
out in the cold, there can be no peace. God will not permit 
it. The oppressed must go free ; they must not be sent 
empty away ; they must have schools and churches, houses 
and lands ; they must, in proper time, be admitted to all the 
privileges accorded to white men. Then we may hope for 
Heaven's blessings, but until then, never. Hostilities may, 
and will stop short of this, but the land will not, and should 
not have any quiet until all these things are accomplished. 
I tear this cry of peace. I fear concessions to rebels in 
arms. The Nation now has peace within its grasp. I am 
afraid it is about to drop it for the shadow. 

We had drill, forenoon and afternoon. In the evening, I 
preached on "Strength in Weakness." H Cor. xii, lo. 
The congregation was large and attentive. 

We expect to move back in the morning and encamp, and 
await peace negotiations. General Morgan goes to Holly 
Springs. 

Friday, April 21. — Got ready to march before orders 
carhe. Morgan's Division moves oft' early and we follow 
soon after. Many citizens come in, seeking mules and 
horses, and they get many. All of the citizens think the 
war over. We have orders against foraging, except lor 
horse feed. Marched three miles and camped near White 
Oak creek, in Ciiatham county. Put up nice quarters to 
await peace. 

We receive no late papers. We have more rumors than 
ever before. The death of President Lincoln is confirmed. 
There is a universal distrust of Andrew Johnson — friends 
and loes are agri'tnl. I confess that my confidence in him 
IS far from strong. We are all greatly in the dark, away 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA IJEGIMENT. o^T) 

out here, twenty-six miles from anywhere. We go from 
one to another, asking: "What's the news? " "Do you 
think the war is over? " "Do you think Lincohi is dead? " 
Sunday, April 23. — We have had nothing of a general 
or exciting nature in camp, to-da}-. We have had no news 
from Sherman's and Johnston's peace agreement. We are 
ignorant of what the terms are. There is a general impres- 
sion that the war is over. I am much exercised lest our 
usual tomfooleiy will ruin us at this critical moment. We 
received a mail this afternoon. In one of the papers we 
read that the neo-ro (jfuard in front of Mrs. General Lee's 
residence is replaced by a white man, out of respect for her 
feelings. Also, that the negro troops at Richmond were 
not reviewed with the white soldiers, recent!}^, for fear, I 
suppose, of offending white rebels. There is a call for the 
leading rebels of the State of Viro-inia to come to Rich- 
mond and set up shop again. Think of the Almighty send- 
ing for the devil to reorganize Heaven. A special train is 
sent to Burksville for General Grant and staff and General 
Lee and staff. Wonder if some people won't want to give 
Lee a public reception in the North. There are down-trod- 
den Union people in all the seceded states. Into their hands 
let the power be given. If there are whites let them run the 
civil government until the blacks go to school and get ready 
to help them. Where there, are no loyal white people let 
the blacks trv it. A loval negro is better than a Caucasian 
rebel. The day is fast dawning when men will vote with- 
out regard to color. To this end education should be dis- 
seminated amongst all the people. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



Closing Events of the War — Johnston's Surrender — 
Peace Declared — On our Homeward Journey — 
Raleigh — Richmond — Bull Run — Alexandria — 
Washington — The Great Military Review — 
Farewell to the Pontoon Train — On to Louis- 
ville — Impatiently Waiting the Order to Go 
Home — At the Dedication of the Regimental 
Monument — Mustered Out — Home Again. 



ORDERS came for us to march this morning (April 
25th) greatly to my surprise. We were accord- 
ingly up before day, and by six were read}' and march- 
ing. There were, at first, many surmises as to the 
direction we were going — whether to the rear, to be 
mustered out, at Harper's Ferry, or to the front to fight 
Joe Johnston. All this was quieted when we moved 
towards Avent's Ferry once more. Then began earnestly 
the discussion, "what does this mean?" Generalh^ it was 
admitted that it meant more war. The prevailing rumor 
was, that President Johnson liad declined to approve Sher- 
man's and Johnston's peace propositions. I am much 
pleased this morning. I am anxious to get home, but I 
have been much exercised at the prevalent disposition, seen 
of late, to smother up matters. I care not how much mercy 
is extended to men after the}' are caught, but the turning 
loose of Lee's army, by pre-agreement, was folly. Permit- 
ting his otllcers to keep their horses, and sell them to our 
men, is an outrage. Many of these horses were captured 
from our people. The rebels never fiivor our officers in this 
manner, There is too much talk about pardoning Jeff Davis. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 



527 



The}' say "catching comes before hani;"ing," so ought par- 
doning. Better catch him, first ; tr}^ condemn, and sentence 
him, then he is ready for pardon or hanging, as may then 
be thought best. 

We laid a bridge across Cape P'ear river, and troops and 
trains were crossing by the evening of April 26th. In the 
afternoon of the 27th orders came to move back to our old 
camp at White Oak creek, preparatory to the concentration 
of our train at Raleigh. During our March to that place 

we learned, definitely, that 
Johnston had surrendered 
to Sherman . We also read , 
for the first time, of the 
terms first made by Sher- 
man and rejected by Secre- 
tary of War Stanton. I 
am glad that these proposed 
terms were repudiated. It 
would have been the culmi- 
nation of disgraceful blun- 
ders on the part ot our 
Government. There has 
been a change of sentiment 
in regard to the treatment 
of rebels. The people who were in favor of pardoning 
everybody engaged in rebellion a few days ago, are now in 
favor of hanging them. I hope public opinion will settle 
down to a happy medium — let us have mercy, tempered 
with justice. 

There have been very strict orders issued against foraging, 
and the occupation of "Sherman's bummers" is gone. 




CAPTAIN J. E. VOORHEES,* 

Company E. 



* Was mustered as Second Lieutenant, Company E, at the organization 
of the Regiment. Promoted to First Lieutenant May 31, 1S62; to Captain 
June 2, 1863, and was mustered out November 11, 1S64, by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service. lie returned to his home in Terre Haute where lie 
engaged in business as contractor on public works of various kinds. lie is 
still engaged in this business in connection with his son, and seems to be 
prospering. 



528 ("HArLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

One oi' these was heard to remark, on hearing a rooster 
crow, "Oh yes, you can crow in our t'aces now, you know 
Uncle Billy has prohibited foraging." 

Saturday, April 29. — We reached Raleigh and camped 
near town, waiting orders to start on our homeward march, 
via Richmond. These were orders for which we had waited 
and wnshed for more than three years, and we are now 
near the consummation of our w'ish. The war is now over 
and we are to start for home in a few days. Peace, glorious 
peace is to resume its place in our country. 

In the afternoon orders came to divide the Pontoon train, 
one-half to go with the 20th Corps, the other to go with 
the 14th. Captain McDonald joined us in the even- 
ing, with Companies B and G, w^hich we had left at Smith- 
field. 

All day, Sunday, April 30th, troops w^ere passing through 
Raleigh, with banners flying and sounds of martial music. 
It was a grand sight. 

I follow , the right wnng of the Pontoon train, which is 
with the 20th Corps. We are well up in the advance and 
march rapidly until we reach Dickenson bridge, on Tar 
river. We meet man}^ soldiers of Lee's army, making their 
way homeward. They are completely whipped, and some 
of them did not appear to be sorry of it. We are all glad 
tiie war is over. 

We started early on the morning of May 3d, and, after a 
hurried march, reached Taylor's Ferry by nine o'clock. 
On the way we crossed the State line and entered Virginia, 
the ninth State in which our Regiment has been. At this 
place we come to the Roanoke, and bridge it ; the width is 
six hundred and seventv-five feet. Over this, the 20tli Corps 
begin to cross. This is a line stream and a nice place to 
camp, but we do not stop here long. We press on, passing 
through Boydtown, thence on to Greensboro, in Mecklin- 
burg county, and, after a marcli of twenty-eight miles we 
go into camp, at eight o'clock ]■>. m. It is the general talk 
that there is a race between tiie i.j.th Corps and the 20th 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 529 

Corps to gain the advance at Richmond. Ilence, our hur- 
ried marchintr. 

In our march of May 4th we came to the falls of Notto- 
way river, covering a distance of-thirty miles by ten o'clock 
p. m. Here we came to a camp of part of the gallant 6th 
Corps, of the Arm}^ of the Potomac, from wliom we received 
some of the latest papers and much courtesy. After another 
hard march on the 5th we reached the Appomattox, late in 
the night. But General Davis had learned that the 20th 
Corps were taking their time, and were far in the rear, so 
he did not order a bridge laid that night ; we were permitted 
to rest. 

Saturday Morning, May 6. — We were out early, and 
soon came to Goode's bridge crossing, were it was necessar}- 
to lav a bridge. It was here that General Lee crossed his 
army when on his recent retreat from Richmond. We soon 
had the bridge completed, and troops began to cross ; while 
we go into camp. 

About nine o'clock. May 7th, we take up our march, fol- 
lowing the other troops, some distance in our advance. 
After a march of twenty miles we came to Falling creek, 
ten miles from Richmond. Next morning we came on to 
the city and found a camping place, two miles out, at Brancli 
Church. 

Here, we remain until the iith, when we move on, cross- 
ing the James river on pontoons. There was a hue display 
of military, as Sherman's army went marching through 
Richmond. We had a chance to see but little of this famous 
old city, as we did not stop. There were evidences on 
every hand of the demoralization and destruction of war. 

Our march from Richmond was by way of Hanover C. 
H. to Littlepage's bridge, on the Pamunk}' river. A severe 
storm of rain came upon us late in the evening. In the 
midst of this we were called to the river crossing where 
a bridge was to be laid. Our boys worked in the rain and 
mud until late at night, to complete their task, but the troops 
did not begin crossing until next morning. 



530 



CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



On the I3tli we passed Concord Church, where Meade's 
army had camped a few days ago. Went into camp near 
Mt. Carmel Church, about nine o'clock p. m., having 
marched twenty-five miles. 

Next day we move in rear of Walcott's Division and leave 
the great battlefields of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania C. 
H. on the right. We cross the 20th Corps at Childsboro. 

On the 1 6th our column crosses the Rapidan at Raccoon 
Ford, the men and horses wading the stream. In the after- 
noon of the same day we 
cross the Rappahannock, 
in the same style. 

On Thursday, May 18, 
we came to Kettle Run, 
camping near the famous 
Bull Run battle ground. 
Here is where tlie first 
great battle of the war 
was fought, and it was a 
point of much interest to 
us. Bull Run is a very 
insignificant stream, but 
it is very famous. We 
stopped lor dinner at 
Centerville. Passing 
through Fairfax C. H., 
and other places of inter- 
est, we found a camping place, ten miles from Alexandria. 
Next day we moved to within three miles of the town and 
halted. We camp in a low, swampy place, but such are 
about the only kind of places to be found hereabouts. 




ANDREW M MASTKK, 

Company A. 



* Was imistercci in as pri\ ate in Camp Gibson. Served as Orderly at 
Regimental headciuailers for some time. In 186^ he re-enlisted, and in 1S65 
was promoti'd to Seri^eant- Major of the Rei^iment and was mustered out as 
such, July 2:^, 186^. Returninsr to his home at Princeton lie learned the 
blacksmith's trade. After this, he removed to Portland. Oregon, and 
engaged in business, in which he has been quite successful. He still resides 
in Portland, and from that distant port sends kindest greetings to his old 
comrades of the 58th. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 531 

The great event of our stay here was the Grand Review 
of the army in Washington. On May 22d it was my good 
fortune to witness the review of General Grant's Army of 
the Potomac. In company with Dr. HoUzman, I got to 
Pennsylvania Avenue, just as General Sheridan's magnifi- 
cent Cavalry Division began to pass in review. We took 
our stand near the Treasury building and witnessed the 
grandest military display the world ever saw. It was worth 
all our toilsome march through Georgia and the Carolinas 
to see this sight. 

On the 24th this grand spectacle was repeated, with Gen- 
eral Sherman's grand army as the actors. 

On the 26th, our Regiment moved camp, to a place near 
Mt. Olivet cemetery, in the suburbs of Washington. We 
moved to Alexandria, and, in passing through that town, 
gave the spectators a review of our Pontoon train. We then 
moved up the Potomac, and crossed over the Long bridge. 
Marched past the Smithsonian Institute to Pennsylvania 
avenue, thence east, passing around the Capitol, and on to 
the hill opposite Mt. Olivet, where we found a beautiful 
camping place. Here we are to remain for a few days, and 
the bovs improve the time in sight seeing. There are many 
places of interest about Washington, and every place is 
thronged with soldiers. It is easy to distinguish the soldiers 
of Sherman's army from those of the Eastern arm 3^. The 
Western soldier is, as a rule, taller, and not so careful in his 
apparel, as is the one from the East. There is also man- 
ifested more of a free and independent air in the Western 
soldier. But there is no difference in the fighting qualities 
of the two. 

May 31st we turned over to the Government our famous 
Pontoon train. We bade farewell to our mules and wagons, 
without a tear. On the 6th of June we moved our camp, to 
a place near Glen wood cemetery, where we were assigned 
to 2d Brigade, ist Division, 14th Corps. On the 9th of 
June we took up our line of march to the Baltimore and 
Ohio depot, where we boarded the cars for our homeward 



CHAPLAIN KIGHT'S HISTOrtY OF THE 



trip. The accommodations are not first-class, but the boj^s 
are patient and cheerful. Along the route the people greet 
our train with cheers, and waving of flags and handkerchiefs. 
The demonstrations of joy are more apparent in West Vir- 
ginia. At every station there is a great crowd of men, 
women and children, who greet us with wild delight. 

On the evening of June 1 1 we reached Parkersburg, where 
we disembarked, and went into camp. We were to take a 
boat here for Louisville. Next morning we all go on board 
the steamer Coniniercial , and are soon on our way down the 

Ohio. It is a delightful 
change from box cars to 
this elegant steamer, and 
the boys duly appreciate it. 
But there is one element of 
uncertainty that makes our 
happiness incomplete. 
There is talk of sendinof 
part of the army to Texas, 
and we are uncertain 
whether we are of that part. 
The boys contend that tlie 
war is over, and the term 
of their enlistment has ex- 
pired, and I think they are 
right. If there are still 
some fragments of the rebel armv in Texas, there are 
enough soldiers in the regular army to attend to them. 

All doubts and appreiiensions were, in a measure, relieved, 
when it was learned that Louisville was to be the end of our 







LIEUTENANT ZACK JONES* 

Company H. 



* Was imistfrcd as First Scrijcant of Comiiany 11, December i6, iS^i. 
Promoted to Second Lieutenant June 17, 1862, to First Lieutenant No\em- 
ber 7, 1862, and was tmistered out by reason of expiration of term, June 20, 
1865. He served jiart of the time as aid-de-eamp on the stafl' of Colonel 
Buell, comniandin<( the Brigade, and was also, for a time, on the stalV of 
General Ilarker. lie was on that duty at the time of the bloody charge on 
Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864, and was by the side of the gallant Ilarker 
when he fell mortally wounded. Since the war he has been engaged in busi- 
ness in Washington, Ind., and seems to be prospering. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 5?,:} 

journey. We arrived at that place after nioht, June 13, and 
remained on the boat until next morning. 

After breakfast, on the 14th, we went ashore. We 
marched up 4th street to Main, down Main to 5th street. 
Here we met the looth Illinois, with music and banners, 
marching to the Jefferson ville ferry, on their way home. 
Three years ago we made their acquaintance at this place. 
They had just entered the service then, and were assigned 
to our Brigade. Now they are going home, while we still 
remain. 

After marching about, this way and that, for the greater 
part of the day we finally went into camp, near the Bruners- 
burg pike, four miles and a half from Louisville. We 
remained here for about ten days. During that time the 
paymaster visited us. Several of the officers and men were 
granted furloughs, and we were visited by several friends 
from Indiana. But.there was still a growing dissatisfaction 
in camp, on account of the seeming indifference of the offi- 
cers in command, as to our muster out. I was charged with 
having encouraged this feeling of discontent among the sol- 
diers and was called to General Buell's headquarters to make 
an explanation. I informed him that the reports were false, 
and that instead of lending encouragement to this feel- 
ing, I was rather using my influence to prevent any out- 
break among the soldiers. But, at the same time, I will not 
be a part}^ to holding these soldiers longer than their serv- 
ices are needed, and I think that time has passed now. I 
plainly told General Buell this, but assured him that I will 
discourage all discontent and open riot. 

About dark, Sunday evening, June 25, orders came for 
the Regiment to march to Louisville and report to General 
Watkins for provost duty, and we were soon on our way 
thither. Provost duty was a new kind of service for the 
58th Indiana. During all our time we had been at the 
front, or near enough to be engaged in active service. But 
now, that the war is over, the place for active service is in 
the rear, as provost guards, and we are sent thither. 



534. CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Moving into the city, we camped at the foot of Broadway, 
about 1 6th street. There is only one tree for shiade and, of 
course, Regimental headquarters must use that. The main 
body of the Regiment is camped in a dog-fennel common, 
in the hot sun. The ^id Indiana is to assist in provost duty. 
There is nothing desirable about this kind of service, and the 
boys are not slow about expressing their disgust. There is 
only one consolation — it will not last long. 

Tuesday, June 27. — Rev. Mr. McMaster, of Princeton, 
visited our Regiment to-day. 

I have accepted an invitation to deliver an address at the 
dedication of the monument to the memory of the dead of 
our Regiment, at Princeton, on the 4th of July. 

In the evening I preached to a small congregation. Spir- 
itual matters are not flourishino;. Men are thinkinor of 
home ; manv of them are gone on short furloughs. 

Thursday, June 29. — Our camp looks quite deserted, 
since the discharging and furloughing of so many. We are 
all impatient to go home, and prospects of our going soon 
are brightening. Several soldiers ran off last night, witliout 
permission. I permitted myself to be persuaded not to hold 
meeting to-night. 

Friday, June 30. — I have sent up an application for 
a ten days' pass, to enable me to attend the dedication of 
the monument to our dead, at Princeton, on the 4th of 
July, but no answer has been given to it. I am very anx- 
ious to go. 

Several of our officers are giving but little attention to bus- 
iness, but spend their time running about the city. 

Sunday, July 2. — Went over to New Albany to attend 
church. Services commenced ; went to cemetery ; dined 
with Rev. Ileatli ; called on I?rother Noble ; attended sacra- 
ment at my old church — Roberts' Ciiapel. I was treated 
ver}'- coolly by the old preachers. I suppose this was owing 
to my mustache, Siierman medal, the herring bone stitch on 
my coat, etc. Forlunatel}', I am independent of these good 
old men. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RFAHMENT. 



58 i 



In the evening I preached in my Regiment. The sun 
shone too hot to liave meeting during the day. We arc 
waiting a few da3's, "to see what will turn up," before mak- 
ing a comfortable place for worship. Thirty-two of Sher- 
man's veteran Regiments, including the 38th and 42d Indi- 
ana, are to be mustered out ; ovu* time may come next. Our 
men are in good spirits. 

Having received my permit, I left camp at seven a. m., 
July 3, for Princeton. Went down 15th street to the Port- 
land street cars, by them to Portland ferry and crossed over 

to New Albany, thence by 
the L., N. A. & C. R. R. 
to Mitchell, and by the O. 
& M. R. R. to Vincennes, 
thence by the E. & C. R. 
R. to Princeton, where I 
stopped with Brother 
Slack. 

Tuesday, July 4. — 
Hottest dav of the season. 
Meet innumerable friends. 
Monument not up ; will be 
a splendid structure when 
done. I am much pleased 
with it. Music, and 
speeches by Revs. Jenk- 
ins, Meredith, McMaster, 
and myself. My address was delivered under embarrass- 
ments. Fireworks in the evening, and a gala day alto- 
gether. 




GEORGE W. SHOPBELL,^ 

Company D. 



* Was mustered with the Regiment in Camp Gibson and served his full 
term of enlistment. Was made Sergeant of his Company, and for some 
time served as Forage Master for the Regimental Pontoon train. After his 
army service he returned to his home in Princeton and began working at the 
carpenter's trade. Subsequently, he became a contractor, and has been 
engaged in that line of business ever since, having been employed in the 
erection of some of the finest residences and business blocks in Princeton in 
recent years. 



530 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

Wednesday, JuiA" 5. — Spent until five p. m. in Prince- 
t(Mi, and then went on the train to Vincennes. Attended 
prayer meeting at the church, and remained over night with 
Rev. John H. Ketcham, whom I came to visit. 

Went to Terre Haute on the 6th ; next day to Greencastle, 
and thence to my old home in Bloomington, on the 8th. 
Sunday, the 9th, I attended church at my old place, and 
heard a sermon by Brother Gillett. I was very much 
pleased with the Sabbath school, which met at two o'clock 
p. m. The music has been much improv^ed, by the intro- 
duction of a cabinet organ. This is not yet used in the 
church services, as there is some opposition. The organ has 
come into use in manv of the churches in Indiana, since the 
war began. Truly, "The world moves." 

Wednesday, July 12. — Left Bloomington at two p. m. 
and arrived in camp at Louisville, at ten p. m. Orders were 
issued on the 3d inst. to muster out this entire army — the 
Army of the Tennessee — and were read by me, in the 
papers of Greencastle, on the 7th. I found our people 
working on their rolls. Colonel Moore has returned. The 
veterans are in great spirits. I put up quarters with Colonel 
Moore. I have much writing which I am desirous of doing 
before we are mustered out. 

Our men are on what is called "provost dutv" — in plain 
Englisli they are affording protection to the whisky sellers 
and disreputable houses. This kind of "duty" is demoral- 
izing. 

Chaplain Chapman preached to us in the evening. One 
man — old General Jones — was drunk and "talked in meet- 
in<r." I improved the occasion to tell the coni^reiration 
what a fool a drunk man is. I referred to tlie Spartans, 
who made their servants drunk, that their children miirht be 
disgusted at the sight. I told them of John Bunyan, who, 
when profane, was disgusted at a still more profane woman. 
We have had two sermons this evening — one by tiie Cha)")- 
lain, and the other a temperance sermon, b\' tlie drunk sol- 
dier. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 537 

SuNiiAV, Jtlv i6. — Rain began falling this morning and 
continued until about two p. m. We had meeting in tiie 
evening. My text was: "Better is it that thou shouldst 
not vow than that thou shouldst vow and not pav." 
Eccles. 5:5. The subject was "Vows." 

Monday, July 17. — Many Regiments of this armv are 
going home. Our time will soon come. Attended a meet- 
ing of the otFicers of the Arm}^ of the Tennessee, at the east 
room of the court house. They have formed an association 
and are endeavoring to perpetuate the attachments of the 
arni}^. General Logan made a speech but the echo was 
such that I could not hear him. The privates are excluded 
from this association, and yet, all that gives some of the 
officers prominence will disappear with their straps. Manv 
ot the privates are mere boys ; many of them design com- 
pleting their education at college. Thousands of them will 
rise to eminence as politicians, lawyers, merchants, physi- 
cians and clerg3'men. Ten years from to-day the great men 
ot this army will be tormer privates, while many of the offic- 
ers will long since have eaten their peck of dirt and will pass 
into obscuritv. 

The first muster-out rolls were examined in part to-day. 
We are to be mustered out on the twentj-'-fifth inst. 

Shaw and Fullerton have been released and sent to the 
Regiment. They are the men who deserted to the rebels 
and captured our mules, at the Chattahoochee, last fall. 
They are both scoundrels of the lirst order. 

P'riday, July 21. — The ^26. Indiana has been mustered 
out, to-day. Shaw and Fullerton, the great operators in 
mules, have been re-arrested. They are to be tried. They 
deserve hanpfinir. 

Saturday, July 22. — The work of making our muster- 
out rolls is going on rapidly. All are very anxious for their 
completion. I am bus}^ making out a list of postoffice 
addresses of all who have ever been in the Regiment. 

Sunday, July 23. — Visited New Albany and preached at 
Wesley Chapel in the forenoon. About dark I preached to 



538 



CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



my Regiment, which proved to be my hist sermon to them. 
The text was : " If thou hadst known, even thou, at least 
in this, thy da}^ the things which belong unto thy peace ; 
but now they are hid from thine eyes." Luke 19:45. I 
endeavored to show that while we have labored under some 
disadvantages in reference to moral cultivation in the army, 
that army life is really conducive to moral development. 
The hypocrite is unmasked ; the really worthless is shown 
to be such. He who can be spoiled b}^ camp corruption is 

hardly worth saving. He is 
but a poor weak thing at best. 
A holy war, such as this, 
makes men better, ph^'sic- 
ally, intellectually and mor- 
ally. I spoke at length on 
several virtues which were 
strengthened here. Those 
who have become w^orthless 
may blame themselves. 

I pointed the boys to the 
future and bid them be up 
and doing, for there will be 
sublime triumphing for the 
successful. 

Monday, July 24. — The remainder of our rolls were 
completed and sent to the mustering officers. 

Captain Davis and myself went up town to make inquiries 
about iron fences. We found there two magnificent lions, 
carved in Italy. We each oflered fifty dollars towards pur- 
chasing them for our monument at Princeton. The price is 
$850.00. Nobody seconds our eflbrts. 

We had a Regimental monument meeting at two p. m. 
It was determined to fence the monument, and an assess- 




JOSEPH N. DAVIS,* 
Company A. 



* Was mustered in with the Regiment and remained with it until the 
close of the war, being mustered out as Sergeant of Company A, July 25, 
1S65. His father was Captain of the same Company. After the war Ser- 
geant Davis returned to his home in Gibson county, subsequently, he 
removed to Weston, Nebraska, where he has been living for several years. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 539 

ment of five dollars per officer and ten dollars per compan}^ 
was made to defray the expenses. The following board of 
trustees was elected : Colonel Joseph Moore and James T. 
Embree, Drs. W. W. Blair and James C. Patten, and Cap- 
tains C. C. Whiting, William E. Chapell and Green 
McDonald. 

There was a meeting of the Christian Association at night. 
Important resolutions were passed and the Association wi.s 
dissolved. 

Tuesday, July 25. — The 58tli Indiana Volunteers was 
this day mustered on muster-out rolls. The rolls were sent 
in charge of Lieutenant Hadlock to Indianapolis. We are 
ordered to the same place lor discharge and final pa3'ment. 
Many are excited. Some are drunk. I am busy. 

Wednesday, July 26. — Turned over camp and garrison 
equipage. Crossed to Jeffersonville and left on the train. 
Arriv^ed in Indianapolis about eight p. m. The only acci- 
dent was the knocking in the head of Clark Kirk. He 
butted a bridge and the bridge knocked him down, but he 
still lives. Some men are proverbially hard to kill. I 
stopped at the Little Hotel. The Regiment is at the Sol- 
diers' Home. 

We were publicly received. We had dinner at the Sol- 
diers' Home, and speaking at the State House Square. 
Governor Morton made a few remarks and excused himself 
on account of health. Lieutenant Governor Baker, General 
Hovey and Meredith made speeches. General Buell made 
a few remarks, as did also Major Downey. The affliir 
passed off' pleasantly. 

Regiment at Camp Carrington. Some have gone home. 
Paymaster Martin is working on our rolls and will pay us to 
the 31st. There is much restlessness amongst the men. 
There is a great desire for citizen clothing. 

Men all paid except a very few, and have gone home. 
Farewells were hurried. The soldiers, as soon as they get 
their "buzzards," as they call their discharges, hurry otT 
home, like children released Irom school. 



5J.0 



CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 



Tlie Government settles with the officers, and many of 
them are oft' for home. I am still in Indianapolis. 

Thursday, August 3. — At 5 :50 a. m. I left the city of 
Indianapolis, and at two p. m. reached Bloomington — 
"home from the wars." 

My campaigns are ended and my "Field Notes" are fin- 
ished. These jottings have been hurriedl}^ penned ; I have 
not paused to correct mistakes. I have been compelled to 
use such materials as I could get. Let no one 

"View me with a critic's eye 
But pass my imperfections by." 

My army life has been pleasant. The scenes of glorious 
war will live in mv memor}/^ forever. The comrades of my 
campaigns have a warm place in my affections. But happy 
peace has come again to our land. May she abide with us 
forever. 

To Almighty God I give thanks for my preservation. Him 
do I beseech to still guide our people, and most tenderly 
care for the poor, the oppressed and the suffering. Amen I 




CHAPTER XXXII. 



From Chickamauga to Richmond — How Sergeant W. 
B. Crawford was Compelled to Make the Jour- 
ney — Some of the Experiences of a Prisoner of 
War — Taunts and Jeers by the Way — Thieving 
Propensities of the Captors — Likewise their 
Inhumanity — Their Utter Indifference to the 
Wants of the Prisoners — Sickness, Hunger and 
Starvation — Incidents in Pemberton Prison — At 
Danville — Tunneling — In Hospital — Exchanged 
— Under the Stars and Stripes Once More — An 
Entry Into the Better Land. 



THE story of the experience of Sergeant William B. 
Crawford, of Company B, as a prisoner of war, while 
it may not be materially different from many others, will 
serve to illustrate the privations and hardships of the soldiers 
who were so unfortunate as to fall into rebel hands.* 
He was captured in the second day's fight in the bat- 
tle of Chickamauga. He was sent, with other Company 
Orderlies, al'jout a mile to the rear, to draw rations 
for the Regiment. When they returned to where they left 
the Regiment, they found it had moved up to the front line 
of battle, and were, at that time, engaged with the enemy. 
As it was not practicable to distribute the rations then, and 
as rations were very valuable to the soldiers under the cir- 
cumstances, it was wisely determined to guard them until 
such time as they could be issued to the men. It was 
thought there would be a lull in the battle soon, when this 

* This account was written by Chaplain I light, from Sergeant Craw- 
ford's own statement soon after his return to the Regiment, at Chattahochee 
river, in 1864. It was evidently the intention of the author to ha\e the story 
appear in that part of the Regimental history, but the compiler has thought 
best to leave it for the concluding chapter. 



542 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE 

could be done. But, instead, the tight grew hotter, and it 
was not long until there was a break in our lines. It was 
the result of our men trying to execute the fatal order of 
General Rosecrans, directing General Wood to "close up on 
Reynolds' left." In the confusion that ensued. Sergeant 
Crawford, with his squad of men, attempted to save the 
rations. They started with them to the rear, as they sup- 
posed. Soon they were caught in the mass of our broken 
columns, and each man had to look out for himself. Ser- 
geant Crawford was separated from the rest, and in trying 
to find them he found himself in the presence of a squad of 
rebel cavalry. They were a Company of Texas Rangers, 
and were picking up "Yankees" without much ceremony. 
Crawford w^as halted, and relieved of his gun and equip- 
ments. He was then rushed ofl'a mile or so to the rear, and 
turned over to another squad of rebel cavahy, who had a lot 
of other prisoners. The}- moved on over the Chickamauga, 
crossing on the dam at Lee & Gordon's Mills, taking the 
road to Ringgold. On the way, they met a number of rebel 
soldiers going to the front. There was great rejoicing among 
these soldiers, over their victory, and they were very insult- 
ing in their language to the prisoners. 

Late at night the Union prisoners, now about fifty in num- 
ber, were placed in an old house. Next morning the}- were 
sent, on foot, to Tunnel Hill. Here their number was 
increased to about i ,500, and the appearance of things was 
ver}' discouraging to our men. They were marched through 
a gate into the road. At each side of the gate stood a rebel 
officer, who ordered our men to give up their canteens, 
knapsacks, gum blankets, etc. Those who refused to do so 
were relieved of these things by force. 

The prisoners were then sent to Dalton, under guard of 
the Georgia militia. At this place they remained on the 
night of September 21, 1864. Here the rebels pretended to 
issue rations. Some of our men received a cup of flour, and 
a few little pieces of bacon, but most of them received noth- 
ing. Sergeant Crawford found, among his fellow prisoners, 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 



5t;^ 



several ot our Brigade, whom he collected together as far as 
he could. They were put on the cars, which were very 
much crowded, and started for Atlanta. The people were 
everywhere verv insulting — the women especially so. They 
would put their handkerchiefs about their necks, and make 
gestures, to indicate that, in their opinion, the Yankees 
ought to be hung. 

When Atlanta was reached, the prisoners were formed in 
line, near the depot. While they were waiting here, a great 

crowd of people tilled the 
streets, curious to get a 
sight of some real, live 
Yankees. A little girl, 
standing bv the side of 
an old woman, was heard 
to remark, " Why , 
grandma, I do not see 
any horns." 

One of the prisoners, 
who heard this remark, 
said to the old lady, 
"These are all young 
Yankees, and their horns 
have not grown yet. Just 
wait until the next lot of 
older ones come along, 
With great simplicity and 
wonder, the old woman asks, "Is that so?" She was, 
evidently, ready to believe the ridiculous myths that 
had grown out of the ignorance and bitter hatred that 
those people bore toward the Yankees. The prisoners were 




REV. WILLIAM B. CRAWFORD, 

Company B. 

and you will see the horns. 



* Was niustored in at Camp (jibson as Corporal, and served his full term 
of enlistment with the Regiment (except the time he served in rebel prison) 
and was mustered out as Sergeant. November ii, 1S64. After returning 
home, he prepared liimself for the ministry. He has for several vears been 
one of the prominent and intkiential ministers in the Cumberland Presbyter- 
ian Church, and has held some important jiastoral charges. His present 
home is in- Oakland City, Indiana. 



544 CHArLAlN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

marched to the Bull Pen, where they were deliberately 
robbed of their pocket knives, great coats and woolen blank- 
ets. The weather was exceedingly cold, and the men suf- 
fered all night. Every man w^ho was accustomed to swear- 
ing poured out oaths loud and deep on their heartless cap- 
tors. Even the prayers of the righteous, if answered, would 
not have been v^ry beneficial to the rebels. Five days' 
rations were issued to the prisoners, which consisted of 
eighteen small crackers and a piece of bacon — altogether, 
about as much as is our regular rations for one day. Next 
morning they were crowded into box cars and started for 
Augusta. At all stations there were crowds of people to see 
the Yankees, and the same insulting remarks were repeated. 
At Augusta the prisoners were marched into the court house 
square, and guarded all night by the Georgia militia. This 
militia was composed of the young blooded aristocracy of 
the town, and was most contemptible. 

Resuming their journey next morning, thev went to Char- 
lotte, S. C, thence to Weldon, N. C. Then they passed 
on, through Petersburg, and, on the ist of October, they 
arrived at Richmond. Thus, eleven days had been occupied 
in getting from the battlefield to this place, and the hunger 
and hardship had told severely on the men. Many of them 
were sick. But this was only the beginning of their sor- 
rows. 

The prisoners were placed under cliarge of the city Bat- 
talion of guards and marched down street. Passing Libb}^ 
Prison, the officers were marched into that building, while 
the men were placed in Pemberton Prison, near by. The 
latter was a large three-story building, which was turned 
into a prison for this emergency. They were marched in, 
two hundred at a time, and assigned separate apartments. 
There was only space enough allowed for each to lie down 
on, and there was a great scramble for the most desirable 
location. Sergeant Crawford was fortunate in being among 
the first of the crowd to get in, and secured a comparatively 
comfortable location. 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA HEGIMEKT. Uo 

Soon after the i ,200 prisoners had been located, a rebel 
officer came into the room and called on all who had money 
to come forward and give it up. He stated that he would 
record the name, Company and Regiment, and the amount, 
and when the prisoners were exchanged their money would 
be returned to them. If any declined to comply with this 
request, the officer stated that they would be searched and 
their money would be confiscated. On the advice of some 
who had been prisoners before, and had received back the 
money which they had given up, nearly all came forward 
and handed over their change. Qviite a large amount was 
collected by this rebel officer — and that was the last the men 
ever saw of their money. 

After these "preliminaries" had been attended to, and as 
the prisoners had nothing more in the way of personal prop- 
erty that was worth stealing, they were permitted to rest for 
the night. They were without blankets and had nothing 
but the hard floor on which to sleep, yet they had been so 
long without sleep, that they were not long in sinking into 
unconsciousness. Next morning the men were divided oft' 
into Companies, with a non-commissioned officer in charge 
of each, to facilitate the issuing of rations. Sergeant Craw- 
ford's squad fell in with that of Sergeant-Major Potter, of 
the 2 2d Michigan, which made a Company of thirty-four 
men. This was about the average size of the Companies. 
Rations were then issued to the men. One pound loaf of 
bread was given to every two, and about as much cooked 
beef was given to thirty-four men as one man could eat. 
This was cut up into small bits by the Sergeant of the squad. 
One man then turned his back and answered the question 
propounded, in reference to each piece, "Whose is this?" 
Thus, the scanty rations were divided, but there was not 
enough to satisfy the appetite, and the rations of bread grew 
smaller all the time. After two weeks only corn bread was 
issued. It was made of unsifted meal. A slice about four 
inches long, two inches and a half wide and one inch thick, 
was a day's rations of corn bread. There was no coftee 



S46 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

nor any other item of diet save bread, meat, and occasion- 
ally a few grains of rice. The meat was a thin slice, usually 
of beef, not more than three bites to the man ; sometimes 
they would take it all at one bite. Often tlie meat would be 
tainted and full of maggots, but it was not thrown away 
on that account. Some days there was no meat, and a few 
dirty, rotten sweet potatoes would be substituted. Under 
such diet it is not strange that the men were fast wasting 
away. Sergeant Crawford says he was so weak he could 
scarcely stand alone, on account of this process of starva- 
tion. Many of the men became sick, and when they became 
very bad they were removed to the hospital. Man}^ were 
dying from actual starvation. 

The first Sunday morning a minister appeared in the 
prison for the purpose of preaching. It was rumored among 
the boys that he was a rebel preacher, and they declined to 
hear any gospel from that source. But when he stepped 
into the middle of the room and announced himself as Chap- 
lain of a New York Regiment, a change came over the 
feelings of the boys. They listened attentively and joined 
in the service earnestl}'^ and reverently. He came from 
Libby Prison, and there was much interest in hearing tVom 
our officers confined there. He promised to come back and 
preach again, but never did. It is said the rebels would not 
permit him to do so. 

The days wore on and the men continued to wear out. 
They occupied themselves in various ways to pass the time. 
From the bones of beef and other material, many of the men 
made rings, charms and various other ornaments. 

An addition was very unexpectedly madt; to the stock of 
materials for rings as well as to the rations. One day some 
rebel officers came in, followed by a dog. In the great 
crowd the dog was separated and forced into the sink. 
While some kept him from making a noise, one cut his 
throat. The officers soon passed out, thinking, perhaps, 
that tlie dog had gone home. No sooner were they gone 
than the dotr was divided antl cafied oil' 1)\' a man with liis 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 547 

back turned. The meat was cooked by the men, and eaten, 
and was pronounced good. Those who had it, were begged, 
by all passing, for some. The bones of this dog were quite 
an addition to the materials for making rings, etc. Very 
few of the canine species ever were put to such good use. 
Sergeant Crawford regretted that he did not get any of this 
doer. 

At first the prisoners did not think that the rebels would 
take greenbacks ; but soon they discovered an inordinate 
desire, on the part of the rebels, for this currency. The 
officers had robbed them for two reasons — they wanted to 
steal the money, which they did, and secondly, they could 
not trust the guards. But still, there was considerable 
money in the prison. 

It was soon Ibund that the guards would trade when there 
were no ofiicers present. The guards were watched very 
closely. But between twelve and four o'clock in the morn- 
ing the officers would be away. Most of the trading was 
done through a hole in the back wall, in the lower room. 
There were loose bricks, which were kept in this in the day 
time. The guards would come from their quarters on the 
outside and trade with the prisoners. At first, our men gave 
one dollar for four loaves of bread. Some of the men had 
rebel money, but they (the rebels) did not want it. They 
refused their own mone}^. Our men soon found that such 
was the thirst for their money that they could get thirteen 
loaves for a dollar. At the same time, two dollars per loaf, 
was the smallest price in rebel money ; and five dollars per 
loaf, was often paid. The rebels could not be hired to go 
and get bread with their own money. It was only when they 
had bread at the hole, and there were no greenbacks, that 
they could be induced to take their own money. The rebels 
soon learned to be trick}^, and would often run oft' with the 
money without giving anything in return. Sergeant Craw- 
ford lost a watch in that way. It was a partnership watch. 
A guard oftered him one hundred and twenty-five loaves, 
but he asked one hundred and fiftv. He asked him to let him 



o48 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

see the watch, and then he ran off with it. As often as the 
guards were caught they were punished. The prisoners 
were also closely watched. One night, when a great crowd 
was collected about the scuttle hole, an officer came in. 
There was a great rush for their beds. The officer of the 
day was called in ; all the prisoners were ordered to get up. 
It was one o'clock in the morning. They were formed in 
four ranks, on each side of the room. The guards were 
ordered to walk between the two ranks. They were 
ordered to require the prisoners to stand without uttering a 
word until day. This cruel order was not strictly enforced ; 
some of the men were allowed to sit down. But no sooner 
was a noise heard on the stairs than the sentinel would 
motion with his hand for them to rise up. Such, was the 
despotism exercised over these poor, ignorant men. When 
any of them were detected trading with the Yankees, they 
were sent to Castle Thunder, or punished in some way. 

Up to this time the cellar was terra incognita. The pris- 
oners, having much leisure time, concluded to press their 
discoveries in that direction. A hole was cut through the 
floor, by the aid of saws made out of case knives. Through 
this they lowered themselves into the cellar. Here was 
found a large quantity — perhaps four hundred two-bushel 
sacks — of tine table salt. As the meat given to the prison- 
ers was not salted, this was a pleasant addition to the rations. 
The prisoners on the other side of the liouse were less enter- 
prising. ]5ut when they were informed, througii the cracks 
cut in the partition doors, of the discovery of the salt, they 
concluded to examine their part of the cellar. They found 
about fifty hogsheads of sugar. Immediately, after the man- 
ner of men, commercial relations were established between 
the two departments. Holes were cut in the partition doors, 
and salt exchanged for sugar. Only a spoonful could be 
passed at a time, owing to the smallness of the holes. This 
was slow work for the salt men. At the end of two days, 
they determined to make an advance on their neighbors' ter- 
ritory, according to the custom of nations unsatisiied with 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 549 

the products of their own soil. A hole was battered through 
the brick partition wall of the cellar, and soon our side was 
in the land of sugar. Salt sacks were ripped, the salt poured 
out, and then filled with sugar. Large quantities of this 
sugar was eaten by the hungry men, without producing any 
injury. But the men were too noisy and greedy. An 
examination was made into the cause of all this confusion, 
and the purloining of the salt and sugar was discovered. 
The bird that laid the golden egg was dead. The carts ran 
all day, removing the salt and sugar, which were the prop- 
erty of speculators, who had it stored for the day of enor- 
mous prices. They got but little sympathy from even the 
rebels. It was a big event in the history of the prison. 
When those who had been in this prison meet now, the 
question is often asked, "Were you on the salt or sugar 
side?" 

About this time a North Carolina soldier shot two Virgin- 
ians. There was great jealousy between the soldiers from 
these States. The North Carolinians were accused of hav- 
ing too much sympathy for the Yankees. 

Sergeant Crawford's residence at Pemberton Prison 
ceased November 15. On the plea of being better able to 
feed them, many of the prisoners were removed to points 
farther south. Another, and perhaps the chief reason, 
though not publicly assigned, was the deep-laid plot of Col- 
onel Streight and others in Libby Prison to overpower the 
guards, release the prisoners, sieze the armory, capture 
Richmond, and escape to our lines. But the men in Pem- 
berton Prison knew nothing of this plot. It failed, on 
account of the treachery of some officer in Libbv. 

Sergeant Crawford was taken sick on the night preceding 
his removal, and continued ill for two weeks. Seven hun- 
dred prisoners passed out, in single file, each receiving a 
small corn cake for his day's rations. The men, gnawing 
their corn bread, were formed in four ranks, presenting a 
very pitiful spectacle. Some were barefooted, and many 
without hats ; some were without coats, and some without 



550 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

shirts. The citizens who chanced to pass along the streets 
manifested no S3'mpathy. As the men passed Libby, where 
the officers were, hats, blouses, shoes, boots and shirts were 
thrown out to the men. This was very creditable to the 
othcers, as they were but little better off than the enlisted 
men. The}' were marched over James river, and put on a 
train bound for Danville, Va. The train started out about 
nine a. m., and at midnight they reached Danville. Craw- 
ford saw some of the prisoners escape on the way, but he was 
too ill to make the attempt. 

At Danville the seven hundred prisoners were placed in a 
tobacco warehouse, which was called Prison No. 3. The 
prisoners were marched in and counted off. There were 
about two hundred and thirty to each floor. 

The rations for ten days was onl}' bread, but the quantit}- 
had increased a little. Then the bread was cut down, but a 
better ration of beef issued. About three weeks after com- 
ing here they began to get some soup. The rations were 
better than at Richmond. In December some rations from 
the Government reached them. On Christmas day about ten 
crackers, in addition to the usual rations, were given to each 
man, and about the same time some clothing was received; 
it was regular army clothing, and a full suit had been sent 
for each prisoner. Some was issued to those who were 
worst off, and the rebels stole the remainder. Crackers were 
issued twice after this, five to each man. At one time they 
got some vinegar oft' of pickles, which were issued extra. 
Some beans and bacon, sent from the North, were cooked 
and issued, as if furnished by the rebels. Most of the food 
sent from the North was stolen by the rebels. Most of these 
rations were issued to the citizens of Danville. How fallen 
tiie F. F. V.'s must have been, to feed on the rations stolen 
from starving prisoners ! Before leaving Richmond, the 
prisoners had been informed that they might have an3'thing 
that they chose sent them from the North, and these pack- 
ages began to arrive. The rebels kept most of them, and 
broke open and r()l)bed many others. 



FIFTY-EICtHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. r,.')! 

Just after the clothing from the North arrived, a rcl^el 
sutler was permitted to set up a shop in a little room adjoin- 
ing the prison. He had tobacco, rice and salt to exchange 
for clothing or money. He would pa}^ $20 in rebel money 
for a pair of shoes, $4 for a cap, $40 for a great coat and 
$20 for a blanket or a pair of pants. He purchased only 
new clothing. He would exchange his little stock in trade 
for these articles. This Shylock, who carried on this trade, 
retailed the articles procured from the suffering prisoners to 
the citizens. There are no words to express the immeasur- 
able meanness and the inconceivable littleness of the soul of 
a fellow who could engage in a traffic so contemptible. 
Judas Iscariot was a gentleman compared with him, for he, 
after selling his Lord, had conscience enough to hang him- 
self; but this scoundrel continued in the trade. 

Thoughts of escape continued to enter the minds of the 
prisoners. They had lost all hope of being exchanged. 
Shortly after arriving at Danville some of the men cut 
through into the cellar, and then crawled under a small 
building adjoining. Here, they began a tunnel. It was 
designed to run it under an adjoining alley and come out 
under a house, and hence the exit would be in another 3'ard. 
This yard was surrounded by a tall fence, made of planks, 
standing on the end ; the guards could not see them. All 
the prisoners might have escaped by this means, but some 
traitor revealed the plot. They were caught digging and 
were bucked for a few hours. 

After this, another tunnel was commenced under the sut- 
ler's shop. The exit was to have been in a stable, on the 
adjoining lot. It would not have been more than twenty- 
five feet long. At this same time a lengthy tunnel was being 
dug from Prison No. 4. It was to have been at least eighty 
feet long, reaching under the street and into a garden on 
the other side. Some traitor betrayed this. A search was 
then ordered about all the prisons. The floors of all the 
adjoining buildings were torn up. In this way the tunnel 
commenced under the sutler's shop was discovered. It was 



552 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE 

about half done. The men detected* in digging were not 
punished. 

It was now thought that all efforts at tunneling were at an 
end. Every place seemed to be watched; some other plan 
must be adopted. An organization was then effected. 
There were some of the prisoners who were brick masons, 
and were doing some repairing about the different prisons. 
Through these, notes were sent from prison to prison, and 
all the details of the plot were thoroughly arranged. In 
each prison the men were divided into Companies of ten. 
These were commanded by a Sergeant, then all the men in 
each prison had a commander. An Irishman, from the reg- 
ular army, commanded in Prison No. 3. He was a smart 
and intelligent man. Being a boss at the cook house, he 
had an opportunity of seeing men from other prisons. He 
said there were some Union citizens of Danville engaged in 
the plot. There were four prisons near together, and two 
in a distant part of town. A break was to be made simul- 
taneously when the signal — three lights, to be placed at the 
window — were removed, overpower the guards and take 
their arms. Each prison had its work. No. 3 was to cap- 
ture the guard house and guards, another was to take the 
armory, another a battery, and another the bridge. They 
would then go to our lines in force. If they could not, they 
would scatter. About the time the arrangements were com- 
pleted, all the prisons were emptied, except Nos. 3 and 4. 
The guards were also strengthened. Some person had 
probably betrayed the plot. It is impossible to keep a secret 
if many men know it. There are always traitors who will 
tell. 

Some other plan must now be devised. Sergeant Craw- 
ford thought of the sink, which was the only place that was 
un watched. He, Sergeant Kimmel, of the 51st Ohio, and 
Color Sergeant Rodgers, of the same Regiment, went into 
the sink one day to make an examination. The sink was 
about six feet wide, eight feet deep, and twenty feet long. 
It was boxed over the top. The Sergeants found this an 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 5ri3 

exceedingly vile place to push their investigations. But 
they were amply repaid for their trouble. There was a 
drain at the bottom ot the sink that conducted the tilth into 
a sewer in the street. This drain had to be enlarged. The 
sewer, itself, was large enough to crawl through. In about 
thirty feet the sewer became an open ditch. After coming 
out of the sink from their labor the men would wash them- 
selves in tubs of water. The prisoners, by standing around, 
would conceal them from the guards. On one occasion the 
Major in command, and some other officers, came around 
on an examination, while some were down in the sink labor- 
ing. They examined everywhere, but their suspicions were 
not excited. A difficulty existed from the fact that the pris- 
oners could not escape in day time, and at night but six- 
could go to the sink at once. They might have gone, a few 
every night, for a long time before being discovered. But 
liberty is sweet and men are greedy for it. The first night, 
after all things were ready, Sergeant Crawford and his 
fellow laborers packed up their traps and were ready to 
leave, but they were in the third story, and there were men 
just as eager to escape in the second story. The guards 
were not careful to count those going to and returning tVom 
the sink. But on this night there was such an eager throng 
desiring to go to the sink, and so few came back, that the 
attention of the guard was called to the fact. Sixteen men 
• had passed quietly and successfully through the sewer into 
the street. But the seventeenth man stamped his feet and 
made a noise as he emerged. He was challenged by the 
sentinel, but ran off. The escaping was detected, a sentinel 
was stationed at the sink, and Sergeant Crawford was among 
those who did not escape. 

Thus, by over effort and eagerness, but seventeen men 
escaped, when many might have done so by carefulness. 
This ended the tunnel campaign, in the month of Feb- 
ruary, 1864. 

The next day Sergeant Crawford was taken sick ; two 
weeks afterwards he was taken to the hospital. Here, lie 



554 CHAPLAIN HIGHTS HISTORY OF THE 

received better treatment than in prison. He designed to 
escape trom tlie hospital, but a comrade, desiring popularity 
with the rebels, informed them of his design. He was 
therefore returned to the prison, though not well. After 
remaining a week in the prison he was again returned to the 
hospital, and in about five da\'s he was sent to Richmond to 
be exchanged. He was then barely able to sit up. This 
was April 23d. Only sick men were sent from the hospitals, 
and all were verj^ happy when the announcement was made 
that they were going. 

At Richmond they were placed in a hospital, and informed 
that the exchanging of the sick had ceased. He remained 
under this impression until the 29th of April. During this 
time the prisoners were dying off very fast, and Crawford 
gave up hope. But on the day named he was selected to go 
North, and the next morning he marched down to the boat, 
and after a few hours' floating down the James the}' came to 
the Acw Tork^ the regular flag-of-truce boat, with the stars 
and stripes floating from the flag staff. The "banner of 
beaut V and gl()r\'" never looked more glorious than that 
April afternoon. As Crawford stepped on board, he 
thought, "Home again." Here they lay until next morn- 
ing. About twelve m.. May i, the boat steamed down the 
river. Just at this time, the summer campaign was com- 
mencing, and several gunboats were met, whose crews gave 
the newly released prisoners rousing cheers, but the emaci- 
ated men were able to make only feeble replies. A sight of 
indescribable grandeur opened on their vision as they neared 
Fortress Monroe. As far as si^-ht could rc^ach might be seen 
vi'ssels of war, with "helm and mast and pennant fair," and 
transjiorts loaded with thousands of troops, just starting on 
the grand campaign against Richmond. At Fortress Mon- 
roe they were detained six hours. They then continued the 
journey to Annapolis, where they arrived May 2, at twelve 
o'clock. 

They were taken to College Gre(>n Hospital, where they 
washed themselves and put on new clothing. They were 



FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 555 

then taken into a ward as line as a parlor, and partook of a 
splendid dinner. The passage from rebeldom was like enter- 
ing into the better land. The skies never looked so blue, nor 
the billows never rolled so grandly. The dashing of the 
waves against the hull of the steamer, and the whipping of the 
sails of shipping was like the clapping of angel hands. Those 
they met seemed like brothers. The grass resembled a car- 
pet of brilliant green. The works of man and of nature, and 
every living creature, seemed to rejoice with the prisoners ; 
it was like the hour of one's conversion, or the quiet gran- 
deur of the eternal Sabbath. But many had long sustained 
life on the hope of freedom and home. Now, that they had 
escaped, exhausted nature could endure no longer. In ten 
days one third of those who had escaped the horrors of rebel 
incarceration were lying beneath the sod. We can but drop 
a tear to the memory of those gallant men, who perished, just 
as the}^ were prepared, by a long baptism of sufl'ering, to 
enjoy home and freedom. Sergeant Crawford was taken 
worse, but survived his illness. On Ma}^ 20th he left the 
hospital for Camp Parole, and on June 20th he started for 
Chattanooga, arriving there June 25th, and soon aftei' (July 
19th) joined the Regiment, while we were at Vining's Sta- 
tion, on the Chattahoochee. 

Such is the brief record of the captivity of a Union soldier, 
and his horrid treatment at the hands of a heartless foe. 
Others less fortunate lingered longer in loathsome prisons, 
and many sleep in exiles' graves. Many an account, more 
thrilling than this, will never be written, many a sad tale will 
never be told, until the revelations of the great day. 



APPENDIX. 



558 8HEE MAN'S BI MMERS, 



ONE OF SHERMAN'S BUMMERS* 



Relates an Unpleasant Experience with Wheeler's 
Cavalry, while out Foraging in North Carolina 
— Capture and Escape — Perilous Journey through 
Swamps — Through Rebel Camps — Back to the 
Union Lines. 



BY w. J. redburn, 

CORPORAL COMPANY B, 58TH INDIANA. 



The morning of March 5th, 1865, found part of Sher- 
man's arm 3^ camped at Cox's Bridge, on a river in 
North Carolina. While our colored troops were engaged 
in a skirmish with Wheeler's rebel cavalry, on the 
Bentonville road, on the north side of the river, Alonzo 
Stewart and the writer saddled the horses we had captured a 
few days previous and crossed the pontoon bridge into the 
enemy's country, in searcli of forage. We wanted food for 
our horses, and whatever would satisfy a soldier's appetite, 
for at that place Sherman's army had to live on what they 
could get, and the soldier who was not afraid to risk his life 
for something to eat fared the best, providing he was not 
picked up by the "Johnnies." We had ridden several miles 
and visited a number of houses and hen-coops, but got noth- 
ing, because the rebs had been just ahead of us, and it is 
always dry picking after they have been through the country. 
On our wav we fell in with a man from an ()liio Regiment, 
whom I will call "Ohio," having forgotten his real name. 
He cheerfully joined us in our expedition, and we had pro- 
ceeded together but a sliort distance when we came upon 

* This article was first published in the Princeton Clarion in 1SS5, and 
is a true account of a thrilling adventure of the writer. It Is re-published 
here to illustrate the great risk taken b}' the foragers in that memorable 
campaign. Very many did not escape so well as did those in this narrative. 



SHERMAN'S BUMMERS. 



559 



some men digging sweet potatoes near the roadside, while 
ten or twelve mounted soldiers awaited the fillin<if of their 
ready sacks. We rode up to them, supposing that they were 
some of our cavalry, but before we had time to dismount we 
discovered our mistake. Four navy revolvers were leveled 

on us, accompanied by the familiar words, "You d d 

Yanks surrender, or we'll blow your brains out." As the 
rebs were dressed in our uniform, the reader will readily 
understand why we were surprised. I had previously met 
the rebs in the field, in lanes, houses, and in the woods, and 
had always managed to give them the slip, but this time the 
first glance convinced me that I had better lay down my 
trusty old gun and become a prisoner of Wheeler's scouts. 
"Ohio" was placed on a horse behind one of the rebs, and 
we were all hurried through fields and briar thickets, and 

over fences, as fast as the 
horses could go. We were 
going down a lane, when 
I saw, at a distance, some 
of our men, who were also 
out foraging, and I yelled 
at them as loud as I could. 
They heard me, and 
quickly took the hint and 
run. The rebels fired on 
them without effect, but I 
was ordered to keep my 
mouth shut, under the pen- 
alty of being shot. 

We were taken to Wheel- 
er's headquarters, dis- 
mounted, formed in line 
and searched. From me 
they took a watch and 
$ii6, and they even took the clothing from the other 
boys. Guarded by a Company of rebs, we were marched 
out, with a number of other prisoners, to be shot. Stewart, 
who stood at my side, punched me with his elbow, saying, 
"We are gone up." I told him to be easy ; that they knew 
better than to slioot us. An order came from Wheeler to 
send some of the prisoners to his headquarters, and I was 




W. J. REDBLRN* 



* Was imistcred in at Camp Gibson and was with the Regiment until the 
close of the war. After the war he returned home and engaged in fa 
He died March lo, 1S91. 



rmmg. 



5G0 SHEEMAN'S BUMMERS. 

among the tliree selected to appear before him. He told us 
that he had ordered us to be shot, but had countermanded 
the order and would send us to Libby prison, and that we 
would soon be paroled. He asked me what force we had at 
Cox's bridge. I answered that we had enough "niggers" 
there to whip him. 

Shortly after this we were started to Smithfield under a 
strong mounted guard, armed with Spencer rifles and navy 
revolvers. After we had marched about ten miles, "Ohio" 
and I arranged to get a prisoner to walk alongside of each 
guard, with a view of disarming them at a certain signal, 
shooting them and then making our escape, but not enough 
of our men would take the risk. Our next plan was to make 
as slow progress as we could so that night would overtake 
us, when we would run, under the cover of darkness, and 
take our chances. This was agreed to between "Ohio," 
and myself. We complained of being tired and foot-sore 
and walked as slowly as they would permit us, hoping that 
darkness would come before we reached Smithtield, where 
we were to take the train for Richmond. I thoutjht the sun 
would never go down that day, but it did. When the dusky 
shadows began to fall around us, we were within a mile and 
a half of Smithfield, and we must soon make a break for 
liberty, or it would be too late. "Ohio" kept close to me, 
and when we came to an open place in the wood I gave the 
signal to run. We started, and made some fearful leaps in 
the darkness, while the bullets whizzed around our ears at a 
lively rate. We kept going until we were a hundred yards 
awav. Stewart and the rest of the prisoners did not run, 
and we heard the guards cursing them and ordering them 
into line. We resumed our travel and selected a star to 
guide us toward camp, which we conceived to be twenty- 
five or thirty miles distant. Witli the rebel army, infantry 
and cavalry, between us and the Union lines, surrounded by 
a strange and desolate country, we realized the unpleasant- 
ness of our situation and the extreme danger we were in. It 
seemed like the whole country was full of rebs ; almost every 
direction we took we would run into them. We took our 
course through an old field which had grown up in briars. 
In that field we heard a squad of rebel cavalry, who were 
luuUing us, but we escaped observation by hiding in the 
briars. We lieard them say, iis they passed us, that if they 
"got hold of those Yankees they would never run again." 
We then knew our only safet}' would be in keeping to tlie 



SHERMAN'S BUMMERS. 501 

woods. We thought that by going to the south we would 
strike the Neuse river, once on the other side of which we 
would be safe, but we soon struck a swamp of such deep 
water that we could not reach the river. Changing our 
course, we went down the river, wading the swamp for about 
five miles. After leaving the swamp, we came to a creek, 
which "Ohio," not being able to swim, crossed on a log, 
and we traveled until we reached the rebel picket line. 
"Ohio" volunteered to crawl up to the pickets and see where 
the sentinels stood. I followed him, and we crawled 
between two pickets standing not over thirty steps apart. 
Getting through sately, we walked a short distance and came 
to their camps, in an open field, with a narrow ravine run- 
ning part of the way through it. We followed the line of 
the ravine as far as it went, then passed through their camp, 
amongst the tents of the rebels. They did not know us from 
their own men, for that would have been the last place the 
rebs would have looked for the runaway Yanks. We passed 
through to their front line of pickets, when I crawled up 
cautiously and discovered that it would be a dangerous 
undertaking to pass it, the line being in zig-zag or rail fence 
shape. Listening intently for a short time, I learned where 
three of the pickets were posted, and went back and told 
"Ohio" to follow me, crawling cautiousl}^ so as not to break 
even a twig. The pickets sat against the root of a pine tree, 
and we got through without them noticing us. After going 
about three miles we came to the cavalry pickets, whom we 
passed with little difficulty, and we now began to feel com- 
paratively safe. We had wandered around so much hunting 
for gaps in the lines, dodging fields and roads, and the rebel 
cavalry, that we did not know where we were and how far 
we were from our lines. We had been so long without any- 
thing to eat, and so long soaked in swamp water, and so 
excited in making the run through picket posts, that now, 
being out of danger, we began to realize our condition. We 
braced up, however, and started out, coming to a house 
pretty soon. "Ohio" engaged in a fight with a savage dog, 
while I approached the house and knocked. A woman's 
voice asked who was there. I replied that we were Confed- 
erate soldiers who had been captured at Bentonville b}' the 
Yankees. We were lost, and wanted to know how far we 
had got from Cox's bridge. She told us it was eight miles 
to the bridge, and pointed in the direction, at the same time 
warning us to watch out, for the Yankees had been there 



562 ARMY POETRY. 

that night. She gave us a corn dodger, and wished she 
could do more for us. Thanking her, we took the road, and 
traveled to within four miles of Cox's bridge, where we 
parted, "Ohio" going to Goldsboro, where his Regiment 
was located. I got to my Regiment, which I had left about 
twenty-lour hours before. I got to camp about nine o'clock 
in the morning, sleepy, tired and hungry, having traveled 
about sixty miles in a day and night. 



The Army Poet. 



Almost every Regiment had one or more poets. In the 
58th Indiana, Stephen J. Lindsey shone most conspicuously. 
He wrote rhymes on a great variety of subjects, many of 
which were printed and sold among the boys in camp. The 
following, copied from the original print, is one of his most 
popular productions. It is headed "Second Edition — 3,000 
Copies Sold," which is evidence of the favor with which it 
was received among the boys. 

BATTLE OF CHICKAAIAUGA, STATE OF QEORGIA. 



COMPOSED BY S. J. LINDSEY, 

COMPANY A. 58TH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS. 



The Army of the Cumberland again has met the foe, 
Down in the State of Georgia, a dozen miles or so; 
On the stream of Chickamauga, there on that Southern plain, 
The fighting, though not ended, but many tliousand slain. 

General Wood, with two Brigades, was down at Gordon's Mill, 
On the banks of Chickamauga, in the old CJeorgia hills: 
Ordered now to hold this point, or hazard all his men, 
Entrenchments soon were thrown around in Chickamauga bend. 

Now, gathering for the onset, the rebel legions came. 
With overwhelming numbers, across that bloody plain. 
To see the serried columns come with glittering steel; 
It was now such awful grandeur to hear the cannon's peal. 

Bragg and Longstreet united here; Buckner and Johnson too 
Massed their force in column deep, intending to go through. 
They came on now with savage 3'ells, in legions marching on, 
Hurling on us leaden hail, seventy thousand strong. 



ARMY POETRY. 563 

Crittenden, Thomas and McCook were in command that day, 
The lines were changed from right to left, to keep the rebels at bay. 
The gallant boys of each command, like tigers, stood the ground 
Till overwhelmed by numbers, before they'd wheel around. 

The flower of the rebel host was pressing on in haste; 
Annihilation, their intent, we had no time to waste. 
Our gallant boys, two columns deep, at the foot of Mission Hill, 
They sent their deadly volleys through, which always went to kill. 

But, now alas, the Loomis guns, all but one left behind, 

The terror of each battlefield against the rebel lines. 

The bold Van Pelt still at his post, his men and horses slain. 

He drew his sword and stood his ground — he leaves a gallant name. 

Noon on Sunday, on Mission Ridge, one eftbrt more must dare, 
To gather up our gallant band, and concentrate them there. 
Their dozen cannon planted now with belching thunders roar, 
While volleys of loud musketry continuous did pour. 

A shell came whizzing through the air, and burst upon the hill: 
The signal for the rebs' attack, now under Polk and Hill. 
Longstreet, too, with a heavy Corps, and Johnson from Mobile, 
Came rushing on our gallant band, there on that bloody field. 

The gallant Turchin made a charge, and lead on his Brigade; 
He cut his way here through their lines, an awful gap he made. 
This sudden move shocked the rebs, they could not understand; 
He took three hundred prisoners here with his gallaut band. 

This day now fifteen thousand men such daring deeds did brave, 
They fought here almost five to one, our gallant flag to save. 
With deadl}' aim we sent our balls in volleys through the plain. 
The rebels falling by the score would rally back again. 

Now Rosecrans, like Washington, in military skill. 
Was ever watchful at his post, most dangerous to fill; 
He foiled the rebel legions in every move they made. 
With the loss of many comrades, that cold in death are laid. 

In three days' fight, what dreadful loss. The truth begins to glare, 
Ten thousand of our brave boys fell, killed and wounded there. 
The enemy, with heavy loss, much more than that of we, 
Though we checked their onward march back to old Tennessee. 

Whitaker, Garfield, Stcadman, Wood and Granger by their side, 
Their flag they nobly did maintain, the Nation's hope and pride. 
With officers of everj' grade, no flinching here was seen. 
The soldiers of the Cumberland — their laurels ever green. 
October ist, 1S63. 



564- REPORT TO CONTERENCE. 



Chaplain Might's Report to Conference. 



The following letter ot' Chaplain Hight to his brethren of 
the M. E. Conference, in 1863, was Ibund among his 
papers. It is submitted as his own review of his work in 
the arm\- up to that date : 

Camp at Thlrman's. Seqj.atchie Valley. Texn., ) 

August 22, 1S63. )' 

To the Bishop and Members of the Indiana Conference: 

Dear Fathers and Brethren: Again I am deprived of the privilege 
of meeting vou in Conference. It is with much regret I deny myself this 
pleasure, annually enjoyed since my entrance upon the ministry. But the 
exit^encies of active war detain me on the field. A short communication 
from me mav not be inappropriate, as there is no superintendent over me to 
report my case. 

While pastor of Simpson Chapel. Greencastle. Ind.. in March. 1S62, I 
unexpectedlv received notice of my appointment as Chaplain of the ^Sth 
Indiana Volunteers. Being anxious to enter the army in that capacity, I did 
not hesitate long about accepting. I entered upon duty at Nashville, Tenn., 
on the 24th of that month. I have continued with the Regiment from that 
to the present dav. except one week spent in a hospital, sick, and twenty days 
on furlough, during most of which latter time I was doing duty for the men. 
When I entered the service I met many difficulties in the discharge of the 
duties of the Chaplaincy: 

1. Mvself and all about me were entirely without experience in religious 
labors in the army. 

2. But little interest was manifested by the public at home. We had no 
suitable hvmn books; we had no Christian Commission; we had none of 
those ample arrangements for the spiritual good of the soldiers, since put in 
operation. 

3. The soldiers had come out for a 'big spree;"' they generally seemed a 
rollicking set of "bold soldier boys," who had adjourned piety until "a more 
convenient season." 

4. That opposition which is kept down by public sentiment at home 
broke out unrestrained in the army. Obstructions were thrown in the way 
of the Gospel by those in high and low places. Every tale that scandal 
could devise was set afloat against the followers of Christ, whether Chaplain 



EEPORT TO CONFERENCE. 565 

or not. "They played cards, drank whisky, and swore," were the common 
representations of these revilers of the people of our God. Strange to say, 
many good people lent themselves to a repetition of these slanders. 

5. Our people seemed to think that this war was a very small matter, and 
could be finished by human power in a very short time. But little attention 
was given the Providence of God. We marched and tbught as frequently on 
Sabbath as any other day. No conveniences for religious meetings were 
aftbrded us. In short, religion was almost wholly ignored in the army. 

In the midst of these discouragements, I have labored, with the satisfac- 
tion of seeing each of them growing, less day by day. By the help of many 
friends, our Regiment has been supplied with reading matter since about the 
middle of June, 1862. The U. S. Christian Commission has been foremost 
in supplying our wants in this department. The soldiers have been very lib- 
eral in purchasing good reading matter and in contributing to the various 
societies for the diffusion of religious knowledge. Last spring two hun- 
dred copy books were distributed in the Regiment, at the expense of the 
men. An instructor in penmanship was appointed in every Company, and 
nearly all who could not write have learned, and many others have improved 
in penmanship. The American S. S. Union sent me four hundred and forty 
copies of the Bible Reader and seventeen sets of the accompanying charts. 
I used these in instructing soldiers to read. We had about seventy -five in the 
Regiment who could read but little, all of whom made some progress, and 
some have become good readers. Having given mv attention to them for a 
long time, I liave latterly opened a school for the benefit of the negroes in 
camp. Previous to our present march I had a class of fifty or more, some of 
whom learned to read within two weeks. By this process the institution of 
slavery is surely being overthrown. The accursed laws of the South against 
the education of the blacks are annulled, the bitter prejudice against negroes 
is being rendered still more causeless, freed are being prepared for freedom, 
and all the advantages of knowledge are brought to a long neglected and 
oppressed race. With eagerness they improve the opportunity thus pre- 
sented to them. They cling to their books during our weary marches 
through the mountains, and spend their spare moments in conning over their 
lessons. 

In spiritual matters I can report great progress. When in camp we hold 
fi\e services each week — two sermons, one conference, and two praver meet- 
ings. All of these are well attended and deeply interesting. We have a 
large and growing Regimental Christian Society. Sincfe the battle of Stone 
River, I have baptized nineteen, and received thirty-four applications for 
membership in the churches at home. Many have professed religion, and 
many backsliders have been reclaimed. Our meetings are attended bv manv 
from beyond our Regiment, from Major-Generals down to camp followers. 
Many officers manifest a deeper interest than formerly in religion, and have 
given up profanity and other evil habits. These happy results have all been 
accomplished by the amazing grace of God, who can and does work even in 
the army. 

Two motives have urged me forward in my labors. One is the uncer- 
tainty of life with the soldiers. Thev fall bv thousands in battle and of dis- 



56G REPORT TO COJJFERENCE. 

ease. We leave them in every valley, and upon every hill and mountain 
side. They give their lives for their country, and shall they perish without 
the ordinances of the Church? Should we not make their privileges greater 
than the ancient people of God. who could not "sing the Lord's song in a 
strange land? " 

Again, I am deeply impressed with the truth, "Like army, like people." 
There is no escape from the fact, the armj' rules and will rule the nation. 
Upon the success of the army depends the success of the Government; they 
stand or fall together. It is manifest to the observation of all, that the unan- 
imous and unflinching stand of the army has saved the country, politically, 
within the last year. Demoralization of the army would demoralize the 
Nation. If our soldiers become corrupt, the whole Nation will go back- 
ward. Then must ruin o\ertake our fair land, "for a demoralized people, 
spring never revisits, and day never dawns on the night of their shame." I 
am glad that I can hope, that the soldiers of the 5Sth Indiana will return to 
bless, and not blight society. 

Of course I meet hindrances, but they "are trifles, light as air." On the 
other hand, I have been much encouraged by my fellow soldiers, by every 
Regimental, Brigade, Division, and Corps commander I have had, by the 
words of cheer and prayers of friends at home, and especially by the blessing 
of Heaven ever bountifully bestowed. Much, therefore, as I love home, and 
cherish the pleasures of Christian society, I am content to remain in the 
field. If it be my lot to fall in the conflict, I shall bear with me to the grave 
the sincerest consolation of having died for the extinction of slavery, and for 
the establishment of freedom, unity, and the glory of our Nation. I ear- 
nestly ask the prayers of the people of God for myself and the arm^'. 

I ask to be continued as Chaplain to the 5Sth Indiana Volunteers, and 
member of Simpson Chapel Qiiarterly Conference. 

Wishing that the blessings of God may rest upon you in your delibera- 
tions, that ^■ourselves and families may enjoy health and happiness, and that 
Heaven may abundantly smile upon and crown your labors with success, I 
subscribe myself, Your brother in Christ, 

JOHN. J. HIGHT. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 567 



Dr. Andrew Lewis. 



Dr. Andrew Lewis, under whose direction the 58th Indiana was recruited 
and organized, was born April 19th, 1S13, in Lewisburg, New York county, 
Pennsylvania, and died in Princeton, Ind., March loth, 1S77. lie was the 
fifth son of Doctor Webster Lewis, a physician of great eminence in that 
state. After completing a common school education the subject of this 
sketch turned his attention to the study of medicine. In 1839 he left Lewis- 
burg. intending to settle in Iowa, but, getting out of funds, stopped in Gibson 
county, Indiana, to recruit his finances. Here, he engaged in manual labor 
on the Wabash and Erie canal, then in the course of construction. After- 
wards he resumed the study of medicine, with his brother, in Boonville, Ind., 
and in January, 1841, began his first practice in Winslow, Ind. In April, 
1843, he removed to Princeton, Ind., where he continued the practice of his 
profession until 1850. At this time he became a candidate of the Whig 
party for County Clerk and was successful. In 1855 he was re-elected and 
served to the end of his term. 

Dr. Lewis was a man of great energy and enterprise, and devoted his 
time and means very largely to the promotion of the public and private 
interests of the town and community in which he lived. He took an active 
part in the incipient steps that brought into existence the first railroad 
through this town — now the Evansville & Terre Haute. It was mainly 
through his eflbrts that the main line of the Louisville, Evansville & St. 
Louis railroad was located through the countv of Gibson and town of Prince- 
ton, lie was interested in the construction of the road and it was largely 
through his energy that this railroad enterprise was sustained through its 
primitive struggles, and was kept in a condition for others to push to ulti- 
mate completion. Unfortunately, this enterprise did not prove profitable to 
Dr. Lewis. His large fortune, which he had amassed in other enterprises, 
was shattered in this. He was left largely involved, and was never able to 
recover the loss. 

But it is more within the province of this sketch to speak of the loyalty 
and patriotism of Dr. Lewis. As has already been intimated, he was in 
thorough sympathy with the war for the suppression of the rebellion. It was 
through his suggestion and influence that the order was secured from Gov- 
ernor Morton to organize the 58th Indiana Regiment at Princeton. He was 
appointed to recruit the Regiment, and at once began the work. A camp 
was established in the Gibson county fair grounds in the latter part of Sep- 
tember, and several Companies were entered as a nucleus for the Regiment. 
Within four weeks the organization was complete. Dr. Lewis was 
appointed Colonel, but his business was such that he could not go to the 
field, and he had to decline the appointment. 

Governor Morton subsequently appointed him Commandant of the First 
Congressional District, and as such he recruited three other Regiments, 
namely, the 65th, 8oth and 91st Indiana Regiments. The service of no one 
in the State was more highly prized by Governor Morton than was that 
of Dr. Lewis. He devoted his best energies to the cause of his country at a 
time when it was in a struggle for its existence. His contribution to 
this cause was not alone in labor, but also in money, clothing and food for 
soldiers' families. He was known at home and abroad as the friend of the 
soldier and the soldier's family. 



SGH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



GENERAL GEORGE P. BUELL. 



General George P. Buell was the second son of George 
P. and Ann Lane Buell, and was born October 4, 1833, in 
Lawrenceburg, Indiana. His early life was spent on the 
farm in Dearborn county, of his native State. He attended 
school in the country, and town, until old enough to be sent 
to Greencastle college, where he remained some years. 
Afterward he went to Norwich Militar^^ Institute, at Nor- 
wich, Vermont, for a scientific course, and graduated in 
civil engineering. When the war broke out, he was in Col- 
orado, pursuing his profession. He resigned his position, 
returned to Indiana, and entered the volunteer army as Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel of the 58th Regiment Indiana Infantry. He 
was promoted to Colonel, and in a few months had com- 
mand of a Brigade. He was a Brigade commander during 
the remainder of his army service, and near the close of the 
war was made Brevet Brigadier-General. 

He entered the regular army July 28, 1866, as Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the 29th Infantry. Was transferred to the iith 
Infantry, March 15, 1869. He was breveted Brigadier- 
General, U. S. A., March 2, 1867, for gallant and meritori- 
ous service during the war, and on March 20, 1879, was 
promoted to the Colonelcy of the 15th Infantry, which posi- 
tion he held at the time of his death. 

His service in the regular army was, with the exception of 
two or three years, on the frontier in Texas, Dakota, Mon- 
tana, New Mexico and Colorado. During these years he 
was engaged in a great man}' Indian campaigns, command- 
ing large bodies of troops, and often in the field months at a 
time. Such continued hard service greatly impaired his 
health, and, in 1882, he was forced to take a leave of 
absence, hoping that complete cessation from all duty might 
restore him. liut his constitution was so broken that neither 
rest nor the best medical skill could save his life. After 
months of great suffering he ]")assed awav. May 31, 1883, at 
his countrv home near Nashville. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 5 09 

During the war General Buell formed the acquaintance of 
Miss Rochie Brien, near Nashville, Tennessee, and on 
December 27, 1865, they were married. One son, Don 
Carlos Buell, was the result of this union. Mrs. lUiell and 
her son are still liv'ino- near Nashville at the time this sketch 
is written (1895) . 

The following editorial notice appeared in a Nashville 
paper the day following his death : 

DEATH OF GENERAL GEORCE P. BUELL. 

General George Pearson Buell, Brevet Brigadier-General of the United 
States army, and Colonel of the 15th United States Infantry, died at his 
home near this city yesterday afternoon at 3:10 o'clock. He was born at 
Lavvrenceburg, Indiana, October 4, 1S33, and graduated from Norwich Mili- 
tarv Uni\ersitv, Vermont. He entered the volunteer ser\ice in December, 
1S61, as Lieutenant-Colonel of the 58th Indiana Infantry, was in all the bat- 
tles of the western army, except the battle of Nash\ille, and rose to the rank 
of Brigadier-General of volunteers. Was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of 
the 29th United States Infantr\' on the 2Sth of June, 1S66, and Colonel of the 
15th United States Infantry March 20, 1S79. ^^^ ^'^'^^ breveted Brigadier- 
General, I'nited States army, March 2, 1S67, for long, faithful and most val- 
uable services. 

After the war General Buell was united in marriage to Miss Rochie 
Brien, only daughter of the late Judge John S. Brien, by Rev. Samuel D. 
Baldwin. General Buell lea\es surviving him his wife and only son, Don 
Carlos Buell. General Buell was a gallant and faithful soldier, sterling 
patriot, a gentleman of high culture, a pure and good man. whose warm 
heart and generous disposition endeared him to all his acquaintances. He is 
a loss to the army and the nation. His deeply affected and distressed family 
have our sincerest sympathy and condolence. 

ACTION OF THE CITIZENS OF NASHVILLE. 

A meeting of the citizens of Nashville was lu>ld to take 
action on the death of General Buell, June 2, 1883. It was 
made up principally of men who had served in the late war, 
some of wiiom had worn the gray. A committee was 
appointed to draft resolutions expressive of their sorrow, in 
the death of a loved comrade and a brave soldier. 

Pending the action of the committee, a number of persons 
gave personal testimony of their respect for General Buell, 
as a citizen and a soldier. Among these expressions were 
the following : 

Captain John Ruhm said he knew a great deal about General Buell's 
character. He commanded one of the finest Indiana Regiments. He was a 
gallant soldier and a noble and generous one. He referred to his reputation 
as an Indian fighter on the frontier in glowing terms. 

Major A. W. Wills said: I am unable to add words expressive of the 
great worth of the dejiarted, to the noble sentiments embraced in the resolu- 
tions. 1 would say, however, that I have known the General long and well. 



570 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 

I was by his side as his groomsman in the happiest hour of his life, imless he 
may have been happier when on the field of battle, for I never knew a man 
who seemed to crave the field of carnage, as he did. So great was his ambi- 
tion, so determined was he to reach the summit of the ladder of fame. He 
was a brave and true patriot and soldier. He knew well his duty — he cared 
not for trials and hardships. He was called by some a martinet. Yet he 
only asked of his subordinates and his soldiers to do what he did. He never 
said ''Push onward," but always "Follow me."' As a father and loving hus- 
band, none ever excelled him. Brave, daring, and almost savage on the bat- 
tlefield, at the fireside as gentle as a child. The nation has suffered almost 
an irreparable loss, and ere the setting of many suns I doubt not the wild 
Indian of the far West will join the war dance in rapturous delight over the 
death of the great Indian fighter whom they have cause to know so well, the 
late General Buell. 

General W. H. Jackson said it was a sad pleasure to pay a tribute to the 
worth of General Buell. He knew him well. He admired him because of 
his gallant soldiership, but best on accoimt of his high regard for his duties 
as a citizen. In the territory in which General Buell gained his distinction 
he (General Jackson) had traveled and fought over the same ground. 
Therefore, it had been a pleasure for them to meet and con\erse together. 
General Buell had the highest regard for his duty as a father, making his son 
a companion. 

General G. P. Thruston said there were gentlemen present who knew 
General Buell better than he, but so well were his characteristics known 
throughout the army that he could speak. General Buell was made Brigade 
commander at the battle of Stone River. At the battle of Chickamauga he 
fought a fight that earned him a national reputation. In Georgia it was 
through his instriunentality that many a bridge was built so rapidly as to 
attract the attention of the world. These enabled the army to achieve many 
noble victories. General Buell was a soldier and a friend. On either side 
we are ready to honor such men. 

The committee reported the following memorial, which 
was unanimously adopted : 

In the few words that can be written upon an occasion like this, it is 
impossible to pay a just tribute to the life and eminent services of a charac- 
ter like (General George P. Buell. His personal history is blended with many 
memorable events in which he bore a conspicuous part. His military title 
was not the gift of chance or friendship. It was fairly won upon many fields 
during the late war, through years of faithful service. It was the reward of 
his own personal gallantr\', intellectual force and ability to command. This 
is already recorded as well in many historic papers as in the memory and 
hearts of his comrades and those who admired him. Earl\' in the war he 
rose to be Colonel in one of the finest Regiments in the Army of the Cum- 
berland, and soon afterwards one of its Brigade commanders. At the battle 
of Murfreesboro, at Chickamauga, at Atlanta, in the March to the Sea, at 
Savannah, and at the last noted battle of the war, at Bentonville, North Car- 
olina — the honorable part he bore has found its way into published military 
records. Distinction also followed him since the war. In his Indian cam- 
l>aign in the West, and in the varied relations in ci\il life, as citizen, neigh- 
bor and friend, he has won the esteem and aftection of all who knew him. 

He was an earnest, decided character, but just and modest, considerate 
and generous. In the family circle he was beloved bevond expression in 
words. We can only oiler our deep and tender sympathies to those sufier- 
ing friends he loved so well. 

Years of campaigning and exposure in the far West, as Colonel of his 
Regiment in the regular army, finally impaired his health and caused iiis 
untimeh- death. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 571 

His family and army comrades and grateful country cannot but feel the 
profoundest sorrow that this brave spirit has thus been borne down in the 
verj' prime of life and hope. Be it 

Resolved, That a copy of this report be furnished to the daily papers at 
Nashville, to the Army and Navy journal, and to General H. M. Cist, and 
to the family of our friend, General Buell. 

J. P. TIIRUSTON, 

W. H. lACKSON, 

W. P. JONES, 

MORACP: H. HARRISON, 

ALBERT AKERS, 

Committee. 
The chair, at the request of the family, appointed the following pall bear- 
ers: Governor W. B. Bate, Honorable A. J. Caldwell, Postmaster W. P. 
Jones, General W. H. Jackson, General G. P. Thruston, John Ruhm, Col- 
onel VV. M. Woodcock, J. P. Drouillard, General J. F. Wheless, Major Hugh 
Gwyn, Captain J. W. Morton and Major A. W. Wills. 



Lieutenant=Colonel Joseph Moore. 



Lieutenant-Colonel Moore spent most of his early life in Gibson county, 
Indiana. At the commencement of the war he was in the mercantile busi- 
ness in Francisco, Ind., but he decided to abandon civil pursuits and oflered 
his services m defense of his country. A call for additional volunteers being 
made in the summer of iS6i, he started out to recruit a Company, which was 
soon accomplished, and at the organization he was elected its Captain. 
This Company was ordered to rendezvous in the fair ground, at Princeton, 
and was designated as Company B, of the ^Sth Indiana Regiment. After 
about six months' service as Captain of the Companv, he was promoted to 
Major of the Regiment, and about a year later to Lieutenant-Colonel, which 
rank he held at the close of the war, when he was finally mustered out with 
the Regiment. At Mission Ridge he was in command of the Regiment, and 
led it in the charge on the rebel rille pits. He was also in command of the 
Regiment in the Atlanta campaign, and on the "March to the Sea," and 
through the Carolinas, and had charge of the Pontoon train, bridging all the 
streams crossed by Sherman's arm^- on that memorable campaign. For his 
ability and faithful performance of this dut}', he was highly complimented hy 
his superior officers. 

Soon after coming home from the army. Colonel Moore removed to Mis- 
souri, where he was engaged in business for a few years. Then he returned 
to Indiana, and located in Indianapolis, where he was engaged in the claim 
and pension business for about twenty years. He was held in high esteem 
by all who knew him. He was a true and brave soldier, and an honest, 
upright citizen. 

He died at his home in that city, May 7, 1S94, aged sixty -five years, after 
a long illness from disease contracted in the army. 



572 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 



Lieutenant=CoIonel James T. Embree. 



Lieutenant-Colonel James T. Embree was born in Princeton. Indiana, 
January 27, 1829, and was a member of a family distinjjuished for ability in 
tbe legal profession. His father was Judge Elisha Embree, a pioneer in 
tlie profession of law in Gibson county, Indiana, and ranked as one of the 
ablest members of the bar in the State. He served as judge of the Circuit 
Coin-t and also as a representative in Congress from his district. James T. 
was educated in Asbury University at Greencastle, Ind., graduating in 1S50, 
read law with his father and graduated from the law department of the State 
University at Bloomington in 1S52. He associated himself with his father 
in the practice of his profession at Princeton, Ind., and was soon in posses- 
sion of an extensive business. In 1S61 he was regarded as one of the ablest 
advocates in Southern Indiana and had brilliant prospects for a long and 
successful career. 

But he was an intensely loyal man, not onl3' by instinct, but by inheri- 
tance. In the stormy years of discussion and debate, preceding the war, 
his voice and influence was in behalf of measures that would perpetuate 
liberty and more firmly establish the Union. He was a Fremont elector 
in 1856, and was in thorough sympathy with the sentiment that was 
opposed to the extension of slavery and the aggressions of the slave 
power, and, as a matter of course, was an ardent supporter of Abraham 
Lincoln, in the memorable campaign for the presidency in 1S60. As a 
further natural sequence, when the Southern slave oligarchy resorted 
to arms for the purpose of breaking up the Union his patriotic blood was 
aroused. With the great mass of the loval, union loving people of the 
country, he realized that the time for argument and discussion was at an end. 
President Lincoln's call for volunteers found a ready response and a hearty 
endorsement among the people, but only a small proportion of those who 
ottered their services could be accepted. In the first months of the war the 
two \ounger brothers of Mr. Embree enlisted, but it was not until October, 
iSfn. tiiat he fount! opportunity to enter the service himself. When the sStii 
Indiana Regiment was being organized he was tendered the position of 
Major, which he accepted and went with the Regiment to the field. 

In a few months after entering the service he was promoted to the rank 
of Lieutenant-Colonel, and during the greater part of the time was in com- 
mand of the Regiment, the Colonel being in command of the Brigade. On 
account of the death of his fatlier and a^so his wife, he was compelled to 
resign in the latter part of 1863, and return to urgent business cares at iiome. 
He became greatly attached to the men of the Regiment and was held in 
high esteem by them, and there was mutual regret at the parting. He was a 
kind hearted officer and entered into the s\-mpathies of those untier his com- 
mand — an ofiicial characteristic somewhat out of the ordinary. 

After his return home he resumed the practice of law and began to gather 
up his business that had been interrupted by the war. But tlie seeds of a 
deadly disease had been implanted in his s\-stem during his army service and 
he did not live long to enjoy the blessings of a jieacefid and imited coimtry. 
He died August 3, 1S67, honored and esteemed bv all. especiallv by his com- 
rades. He iiad been instrumental in organizing the first post. Grand Army 
ot" the Reiiuhlic. in I'rini-etoii, and it was liis fortune to be the first comrade 
to he buried inider tlie auspices and w illi the iionors of the (jrand Army. 



BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 573 

Colonel H. M. Carr. 



Colonel H. M. Carr, who first commanded the 5Sth Indiana Regiment 
in the field, was born in Montgomery coimty, Indiana, where he spent the 
earlier years of his life. When tlie war broke out hfe enlisted under the first 
call for volunteers, serving three months in the iith Indiana Regiment as 
Captain of Company G. At the expiration of his term he re-entered the 
service for a term of three years in the same Regiment. November 14, 
1861, he was promoted to the Colonelcy of the 5Sth Indiana, and at once 
entered upon his duties with that Regiment. He remained with the Regi- 
ment until June 17, 1862, when he resigned and returned to his home at 
Crawfordsville. But he did not remain long out of the service. A call 
for additional volunteers in 1S62 gave him the opportunit\- to engage in the 
recruiting ser\ice. lie assisted in recruiting the 72d Indiana Regiment, 
which was raised in the counties comprising the Eighth District, and was 
organized at Lafayette. It was mustered into service August 16, 1862, and 
Carr was commissioned Captain of Company B. In a tew months he was 
promoted Major and continued as such until June 28, 1864, when he resigned 
on account of disability. Soon after the war he located in Louisville, where 
he engaged in the claim and pension business. He died in 1SS4, aged 54 
years, of heart trouble, 'and his body rests in the beautiful Cave Hill ceme- 
tery, at Louisville. His widow and two daughters are still living; two sons 
preceded him to the grave. 

Colonel Carr was a man of fine militarv appearance, and had a strong, 
commanding voice, tie was in ever\' way well adapted for handling a body 
of troops in the field. He was a genuine patriot and gave his best ser\ ice to 
his country at a time when such service was most needed. 

In civil life he is spoken of by one who knew him best as "a splendid, 
noble, generous, upright man, affectionate, and true as steel, yet as modest 
and sensitive as a woman." He was most highly esteemed by those who 
knew him and his death was universally regretted. 



57i NATIONAL MILITARY PARK. 



Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park. 



TSfoTE. — The material facts in this article are obtained, partly, from 
articles written by General H. V. Bojnton, a member of the National Com- 
mission, and partly from information obtained by the writer on a recent 
personal visit to the battleground. One of General Boynton's very excellent 
descriptive articles was published in Harper s Weekly, June 22, 1S95, and 
another in the "Official Souvenir Program" of the^ recent International 
Epworth League Convention, in Chattanooga. 

In 1889 a movement was begun that resulted in the 
establishment of a National Park, embracing the battle 
grounds of Chickamauga and Chattanooga. The origina- 
tors of the scheme were from both of the armies who had 
fought upon these grounds, and the underlying idea was, 
that nowhere was there a better exemplification of American 
braver}' and courage than upon the battlefields of Chicka- 
mauga and Chattanooga. It was the opinion that the battles 
here fought, ranked among the most notable, in many 
respects, of the greatest war of modern times. It was here 
that there was displayed the greatest strategy in militar}' 
movements, and it was thought, by the originators of this 
enterprise, that here was the place and the opportunity for 
an impartial examination of a battlefield l\y both sides, 
purely as a military study, to the end that the important 
details of this historic event might be accurately preserved 
as an illustration of the achievements of American citizen 
soldiery. 

This project was put into formal shape and made effective 
by an act of Congress, approved August 19, 1890, and 
under direction of the Secretary of War a commission, 
composed of representatives of both armies, was appointed 
to carry out the provisions of the act. For the prosecution 
of the work Congress made an appropriation of $725,000, 
It required two years more to secure title to the lands, but 
the commission' has finally succeeded in completing the 



NATIONAL MILITARY PARK. 575 

purchase ot" the entire battlefield of Chickamauga, and has 
options on other lands adjacent, which will eventually be 
included in the Park. The main body of the Park is 
traversed by the Lafayette and Chattanooga road, which 
passes through Rossville Gap at Missionary Ridge. The 
main roads have all been rebuilt in the most substantial 
manner, and all the old roads of the battlefield have been 
restored and improved. There are now on the battlefield 
about twenty-five miles of the finest roads to be found any- 
where. In the plan of improving and restoring the field all 
the old roads, that were in existence at the time of the battle, 
have been reopened and improved and any new roads that 
have been opened since the battle have been closed. The 
underbrush and new growth of trees have been cut out, so 
that it is easy to trace the lines of battle, and one may drive 
through the woods over any part of the ground. Such 
buildings as were landmarks of the battle, and have since 
fallen into decay, have been rebuilt or repaired, or the site 
of such buildings designated by a tablet. The methods of 
marking the lines of battle are by monuments, tablets, and 
actual batteries of artiller}'. 

There are steel and iron observation towers so placed at 
prominent points as to enable visitors to ascend above the 
tree tops and observe all portions of the field. Two of these 
are on Missionary Ridge and three on Chickamauga battle- 
field. 

In addition to the tablets and other markers erected by the 
National Government, each State has taken measures 
to erect monuments to mark the position of all 
its Regiments and Battalions that were engaged in 
the battle. Some of these monuments have alread}^ been 
erected, and most of them will be completed by the time for 
the dedication of the Park, September 19 and 20, 189^. 

Historical tablets, constructed of iron, each 3x4 feet, have 
been erected at different points on the battlefield. These 
give a condensed history of the movements of each organi- 
zation and the part taken in the battle upon that part of the 
field. There are also staff tablets bearing the names of every 
general officer's staff. The tablets are numbered, consecu- 
tively, on tiie upper left-hand corner, and on the upper right 
hand corner appears the letter "U," or "C," indicating the 
army to which the participants belonged. There is no dis- 
tinction in the treatment of the Union and Confederate 
armies, except in this particular. 



576 



NATIONAL MILITARY PAKK. 



The following is a copy of the tablets for General T. J. 
Wood's Division, located in the position held by that com- 
mand on the Brotherton farm, Sunday morning, September 
20th : 



NO. 67. U. 

WOOD'S DIVISIONCRITTENDEN'S CORPS. 

During tlie night of the 19th Buell's and Marker's Brigades (Wagner's 
Brigade on garrison duty at Chattanooga) withdrew from near Viniard's 
to the slope of Missionary Ridge west of Dyer House and beyond the Craw- 
fish Springs road. Early in the morning Wood was directed to relieve 
Negley on this ground. This was not accomplished until after 9:30 a. m., 
when the last of Negley 's Division passed to the left and Wood's line, with 
Barnes' Brigade, of Van C'eve's Division, which had come forward with 
Wood, was closed to the left on Brannan's Division. Upon the supposi- 
tion that Brannan had responded to an order sent him to move to the sup- 
port of the left. Wood was ordered, at 10:4.5 a. m., by General Rosecrans, 
to close ranidly on Reynolds and support him. Brannan being under 
attack at the moment of receiving the order held his line. Wood obeying 
literally, drew out of line and moved to the rear of Brannan, towards 
Reynolds. Barnes' Brigade at the beginning of the movement was dis- 
patched to Baird's support on the extreme left. Just as Barker's Brigade, 
moving next in rear of Barnes, had gained the rear of Brannan, Longstreet 
moved with a column of three Divisions of eight Brigades upon Wood's late 
front at the Brotherton house, penetrating the line, and dispersing Buell's 
Brigade, which was following Harker, and taking Brannan in reverse. 
Barker's Brigade promptly moved back into the Dyer field and attacked 
the head of the enemy's column with great vigor, which gave Brannan a 
chance to rally his command on Snodgrass Hill, where Harker soon joined 
him and held the left of the line on that part of the field until night. Frag- 
ments of Buell's Brigade rallied on Snodgrass Hill, where General Wood in 
person established his headquarters and co-operated with General Brfmnan 
in the defence of that position. The loss of the Division (two Brigades) for 
the two days, was, killed 132, wounded 744, missing 194, total 1,070. 



NO. 67 A. 

WOOD'S DIVISION. 

Brigadier-General T. J. Wood. 

Sept. 19-20, 1863. 

STAFF ON FIELD. 

CAPT. MARCUS P. BESTOW, U. S. V., Assistant Adjutant General. 

LIEUT. JOHN L. YARYAN, 58th Indiana, Aid-de-Camp. 

LIEUT. GEORGE SHAFFER, 93d Ohio, Aid-de-camp. 

LIEUT. -COL. THOS. R. PALMER, 13th Michigan, Inspector. 

SURGEON W. W. BLAIR, 58th Indiana, Medical Director. 

CAPT. L. D. MYERS, U. S. V., Assistant Quartermaster-General. 

CAPT. J. MCDONALD. U. S. V., Com. of Subsistence. 

CAPT. WM. McLOUGHLIN, 13th Michigan, Topographical Engineer. 

CAPT. JOHN E. GEORGE, 15th Indiana, Assistant Com. of Musters. 

LIEtJT. PETER HOLDMAN, 3d Kentucky, Ordnance Officer. 

CAPT. MICHAEL KEISER, 64th Ohio, Provost Marshal. 

CAPT. LUDLOW BRADLEY, 6th Ohio Battery, Chief of Artillery. 

PRIVATE ROBERT LEMON, 68th Indiana, Orderly. 



NATIONAL MILITARY PARK. 577 

Other tablets for Wooers Division are located on the 
Lafayette road, opposite the Viniard house, where the hard 
fighting was done on Saturday evening. 

Indiana has appropriated $40,000 for the erection of mon- 
uments to the several organizations from this State that par- 
ticipated in the battle of Chickamauga. The position 
selected for the 58th Indiana Regiment is a few yards east 
of the Lafavette and Chattanooga road, opposite the Viniard 
house. This is where the Regiment did its hardest fighting 
on Saturdav evening, September 19th, and it was here that 
it suffered the heaviest loss of the two days' battle. 

The 58tli Indiana monument is constructed of 
Bedford limestone. It is 8^x4 feet at the base, 
and will stand 15 feet high. On the second base, 
which is 5 feet 10 inches by 4 feet 2 inches, there 
•appears the inscription " 58th Regiment Indiana 
Infantry." On top of this is a third base, 5 feet 3 inches by 
4 feet, one foot thick. This supports a die 4 feet 6 inches 
by 2 feet 10 inches and 6 feet high. On top of this is a cap, 
and the whole is surmounted by an eagle, 2^x;^ feet. In 
front, on the upper part of the die, is the State seal of Indi- 
ana, in bronze. On the opposite side of the die is a bronze 
tablet which contains a brief history of the Regiment in the 
battle, as follows : 



FIFTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY. 



This Regiment, in command of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Embree, went into action at this point about 2:45 p. m., Sep- 
tember 19th, charging the enemy across the road; left of 
Regiment penetrating a woods, where a severe engagement 
ensued. Loss heavy in killed and wounded. On morning of 
20th moved to new position at Brotherton farm. When lines 
were broken, by movement of Brigade to the left, the Regi- 
ment was severed, but rallied again on Snodgrass Hill, and 
assisted in holding that point during the remainder of the 
day. On night of 21st the Regiment formed part of skirmish 
line, in command of Major Moore, which covered the move- 
ment of Rosecrans' army to Chattanooga. Loss in two days' 
battle: Killed, 16; wounded and missing, 155; total, 171. 



Stone markers, about 4 feet high and properly inscribed, 
are placed at the position occupied by the Regiment at the 
Brotherton iarm on the morning of the 20th, and on Snod- 
grass Hill, in the afternoon of that day. 



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